
Simple ways for your family to save water, energy and the planet
The amount of water we use each and every day isn't something we often stop to consider.
But the reality is that we use more than we realise, and crucially, this tends to be more than we actually need.
From brushing our teeth in the morning to making that all-important first cup of tea of the day, or from running a shower to washing the family car, the average person in Scotland will have used almost 180 litres of water by the end of today - enough to fill a whole bathtub.
With Scotland currently experiencing higher levels of water scarcity, due to the driest start to the year in more than six decades, it's more important than ever for us all to use water responsibly, keeping a close eye on the amount we use each day.
Sean Batty, meteorologist and TV presenter for STV Weather, commented on the recent weather: "Springs in the UK are generally becoming wetter - but when we experience a drier-than-usual spring, like this one, those higher temperatures can actually make the situation worse.
"One striking aspect of this spring has been the weather pattern reversal between the UK and the Mediterranean. Spain has seen unusually wet conditions, with Malaga on the Costa del Sol recording over 250mm of rain since March 1, whereas some parts of East Lothian have had just 25mm."
And though we've seen some rain lately, the problem is far from over, as Sean emphasised: "Although the recent dry streak has finally broken, in parts of eastern Scotland, the rainfall deficit dates back to June last year, with each month since then bringing either average or below-average rainfall.
"River levels are exceptionally low in many areas, which will be concerning for many as we head into the summer months, and while reservoirs have more resilience thanks to their large capacity, sustained dry periods and increased water demand could still create problems if we don't watch our water usage closely."
How you can help conserve water
The good news is that there are lots of simple switches that can be made, making a huge difference in reducing the amount of water we consume - not only better for the planet, but our pockets too.
According to a recent study by Home Energy Scotland*, taking just two minutes off your shower could save you at least £50 on your annual energy bill.
Reducing your dishwasher use by one cycle per week can save up to 480 litres of water and around £14 per year - and ensuring your washing machine is full and running it at 30 degrees, rather than 40, can cut your water and energy consumption by a huge 57 per cent.
Studies have shown that a family of four typically flushes the loo more than 10,000 times every year - equating to about 60,000 litres of clear, fresh water down the drain - so, maybe we don't need to flush every time.
Another great way to help conserve Scotland's water supply, widely considered 'world-class' by Scottish residents, is by using a water butt at home.
A small Scottish roof collects more than 45,000 litres of water each year, and a large roof can collect more than 90,000 litres per year - which is plenty to help your garden grow.
Using a watering can in the garden rather than a hosepipe, a sponge for washing your car, and only boiling the water you actually need when you use the kettle are instant ways to start saving.
Turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and fixing dripping taps and leaky loos are other easy wins.
There are many things we can do to save water all year round, which is good for both the planet and your pocket.

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STV News
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Will the Strawberry Moon be visible in Scotland?
Stargazers will have their eyes on the skies this evening as the Strawberry Full Moon rises in Scotland. June's full moon usually takes a lower path across the horizon, making it look larger than others. That's not all that's special about the Strawberry Moon, STV meteorologist Sean Batty said it will have a reddish hue due to aerosols being carried from wildfires on the other side of the Atlantic. As the moon hangs lower, the sun climbs higher, signalling the lead up to the summer solstice, which is just over a week away. According to the Old Farmers Almanac, the Strawberry Moon gets its name from the harvest season observed by indigenous Americans. The moon signals the time of year that wild strawberries were harvested. Yes, most of the country will be able to see the moon thanks to the clear skies and fine weather. Sean Batty also said the clear skies are expected to last into the night, offering excellent conditions for moon gazing. The Moon rises in the east and sets in the west, and is expected to rise in Edinburgh at around 11.16pm. As the sun climbs higher in the sky in the lead-up to the summer solstice—just over a week away—the moon takes a lower path across the horizon. In June, the full moon appears at its lowest point in the sky, while the sun reaches its highest, coinciding with peak UV levels. Tonight's Strawberry Moon will grace the skies, and thanks to the fine weather we've had today, much of the country should have a clear view. Those clear skies are expected to last into the night for many, offering excellent conditions for moon gazing. I think there's also a chance the moon may take on a reddish hue due to aerosols being carried from wildfires on the other side of the Atlantic, along with a touch of Saharan dust—together potentially creating a beautiful, slightly surreal tint to this already special full moon. Get all the latest news from around the country Follow STV News Scan the QR code on your mobile device for all the latest news from around the country


Daily Record
3 days ago
- Daily Record
Simple ways for your family to save water, energy and the planet
The amount of water we use each and every day isn't something we often stop to consider. But the reality is that we use more than we realise, and crucially, this tends to be more than we actually need. From brushing our teeth in the morning to making that all-important first cup of tea of the day, or from running a shower to washing the family car, the average person in Scotland will have used almost 180 litres of water by the end of today - enough to fill a whole bathtub. With Scotland currently experiencing higher levels of water scarcity, due to the driest start to the year in more than six decades, it's more important than ever for us all to use water responsibly, keeping a close eye on the amount we use each day. Sean Batty, meteorologist and TV presenter for STV Weather, commented on the recent weather: "Springs in the UK are generally becoming wetter - but when we experience a drier-than-usual spring, like this one, those higher temperatures can actually make the situation worse. "One striking aspect of this spring has been the weather pattern reversal between the UK and the Mediterranean. Spain has seen unusually wet conditions, with Malaga on the Costa del Sol recording over 250mm of rain since March 1, whereas some parts of East Lothian have had just 25mm." And though we've seen some rain lately, the problem is far from over, as Sean emphasised: "Although the recent dry streak has finally broken, in parts of eastern Scotland, the rainfall deficit dates back to June last year, with each month since then bringing either average or below-average rainfall. "River levels are exceptionally low in many areas, which will be concerning for many as we head into the summer months, and while reservoirs have more resilience thanks to their large capacity, sustained dry periods and increased water demand could still create problems if we don't watch our water usage closely." How you can help conserve water The good news is that there are lots of simple switches that can be made, making a huge difference in reducing the amount of water we consume - not only better for the planet, but our pockets too. According to a recent study by Home Energy Scotland*, taking just two minutes off your shower could save you at least £50 on your annual energy bill. Reducing your dishwasher use by one cycle per week can save up to 480 litres of water and around £14 per year - and ensuring your washing machine is full and running it at 30 degrees, rather than 40, can cut your water and energy consumption by a huge 57 per cent. Studies have shown that a family of four typically flushes the loo more than 10,000 times every year - equating to about 60,000 litres of clear, fresh water down the drain - so, maybe we don't need to flush every time. Another great way to help conserve Scotland's water supply, widely considered 'world-class' by Scottish residents, is by using a water butt at home. A small Scottish roof collects more than 45,000 litres of water each year, and a large roof can collect more than 90,000 litres per year - which is plenty to help your garden grow. Using a watering can in the garden rather than a hosepipe, a sponge for washing your car, and only boiling the water you actually need when you use the kettle are instant ways to start saving. Turning the tap off whilst brushing your teeth and fixing dripping taps and leaky loos are other easy wins. There are many things we can do to save water all year round, which is good for both the planet and your pocket.


Daily Record
5 days ago
- Daily Record
When will weather change as Scots set for soaring 25C temperatures
A 'Spanish plume' is set to engulf the UK and bring about a 'mini heatwave', following this current period of showers. Scots are expected to experience a searing 'Spanish plume' as a mini-heatwave is predicted to hit the UK later on in June. Scotland is set to see soaring temperatures as high as 25C in this sunny spell, which may begin as early as next week. The sweltering heat plume from Europe is to be widespread for the whole of the UK, possibly extending from the southeast all the way up to the Highlands. It comes after Scotland recorded its sunniest spring on record, which was followed by serious widespread showers that will continue into this weekend (June 7 and 8). A thunderstorm warning has even been issued by the Met Office for parts of southern England and Wales for today, June 7. The forecaster said on their website: "Frequent heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected for much of Saturday before fading from the west during the mid to late afternoon. "10-15 mm of rain could fall in less than an hour, whilst some places could see 30-40 mm of rain over several hours from successive showers and thunderstorms. Frequent lightning, hail and strong, gusty winds will be additional hazards." But this is all set to change as soon as next week, as the 'Spanish scorcher' is expected to land on our shores. According to advanced weather maps on WX Charts, Thursday, June 12 is set to kick off the scorcher, with Scottish temperatures set to soar to a piping 25C in northern parts of the country. The mercury is forecast to range between a reasonable 19C and a searing 24C in the central belt on this day, while the Western Isles can expect cooler temperatures of around 14C. As usual, the south of England is set to see even hotter temperatures over the coming scorcher that are expected to reach a whopping 30C. Weather charts for the week commencing June 16 predict more hot air from Spain, that will sweep across France and into the UK, reports The Mirror. By Thursday June 19 and Friday June 20, the heat maps turn a deep red, indicating yet more high temperatures. Thursday June 19 will bring in further searing temperatures for Scotland, that will reach a peak of 24C in the north of the Highlands, while the central belt will see temperatures hover around 22C. The Met Office 's long-range forecasts show that the weather is expected to be a lot sunnier in the second half of June. Its forecast from June 10-19 states: "Changeable weather across the UK at the start of this period with showers or some longer spells of rain spreading in from the Atlantic. The heaviest and most prolonged rain will probably be across parts of the north and northwest, with the southeast likely driest. "Temperatures are expected to be near normal or slightly above. Into the second half of next week, there is potential for some warm or hot weather to develop, particularly in the south and east, although this may be accompanied by heavy showers and thunderstorms. "Into the middle of June, high pressure may become more dominant. This could bring periods of fine and dry weather, especially in south and temperatures rising above normal, although some thundery outbreaks remain possible." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!