Journal Day 1:
Here we go. It feels weird to go from using the amount of water I’m used to using to a small trickle. The comparison I would make is this: it feels like driving 25mph in a 55-mph zone. It just feels “wrong” at first, despite knowing the change I’m making is the right and conservative thing to do. It feels like I’m going too slow.
Journal Day 2:
I noticed that if I’m in a hurry, the desire is very strong to keep the tap fully open. The rushed feeling can override the need to be responsible with my water usage. But if I think about it rationally, how much time would I really save by opening the faucet like it’s Niagara Falls in a monsoon? What might I do with those extra seconds I’d accumulate every month? Nothing, that’s what.
Compare that to how much water I’d save per month or per year. The water savings is significant.
Journal Day 3:
I find I spend a seemingly inordinate number of seconds finding just the right setting on my sink to give me the optimum Texas Trickle. It can be frustrating, but after some practice I can quickly find the right position on the tap to save water. It’s like doing anything physical, such as a sport or a chore: the more you practice, the better you become at doing it. I’m impressed with my small accomplishment.
Journal Day 4:
Old habits can be hard to break. Today I didn’t use the Texas Trickle. I was in a hurry to get my seven-year-old boy to school, so I opened the tap all the way. I finished quickly and rushed off so he’d get to his first class on time. It bothered me a little in the car. Then after a spell it bothered me a little more. It felt like I needlessly cheated on a diet or something. Guilt: It’s Nature’s teacher.
Journal Day 5:
It’s becoming more routine and less weird to use such a small (but perfectly adequate) amount of water while using my toothbrush. I think the satisfaction of my altruism is starting to pay off. I feel like a responsible Texan. Should I also ration my toothpaste? Is there any environmental conservatism to be found there? Meh, probably not much.
Although, I did start to take notice of how long I shower. If the Texas Trickle can save water in a bathroom sink, taking the recommended 5-minute shower should save even more. The possibilities to save water are nigh endless!