Believe it or not, we're facing another hosepipe ban this summer, so here's a good way to ensure your garden stays blooming: Waterwise, the UK's key advisor on reducing water use and consumption, introduced their Waterwise Marques in October 2006 to reward innovative products for reducing water consumption.
The WaterGreen from Droughtbuster was one of the first winners and it is simple but effective and useful. It consists of a siphon pump and 3.5m of hose and with a few squeezes uses the siphon effect and gravity to empty baths, sinks or whatever you like onto the garden or into a water butt.
It was invented by two gardeners looking for a product to help them re-use their grey water during a hose-pipe ban and it even comes with explanatory leaflets so your neighbours dont report you for using your hose illegally!
As gravity is an integral part of the system, the end-point for the water needs to be at least 10 inches lower than the item being emptied, therefore ground floor flats, bungalows or those with downstairs bathrooms may need to investigate further before investing in one.
There is some disagreement on using grey water to water food crops, but it seems to be generally agreed that as long as green detergents or washing products are used then the resulting grey water should be fine at least for lawns, trees, flowers and root crops or those that are peeled before eating. Maybe give salad crops a miss, just in case. [Liz Pilley]
The WaterGreen costs £19.99 from Droughtbuster.
From: BEST OF 2008: Eco-friendy and sustainable shoes