It’s easy to lose track of time in the comfort of a hot shower. You might not think twice about this daily habit, but those extra few minutes could be doing more harm to the environment than you realise.
Approximately 71% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. While this may seem like a lot, less than 1% of it is available for human consumption; the rest is either saltwater, locked in polar ice caps, or simply inaccessible to extract. This means it is crucial that we are careful about the amount of water we use, and what it is used for. Overusing this vital resource can place immense stress on local supplies, leading to water shortages. Excessive water usage also puts stress on the planet’s natural ecosystems by lowering river levels and drying out wetlands, harming the wildlife that depend on such habitats.
While generally considered to use less water than baths, long showers still consume a surprising amount of up to 300 litres every 20 minutes. Every extra minute adds up quickly, especially when multiplied across populations. Significant water shortages are already an issue for many parts of the world, and this situation is likely to get worse. The United Nations has predicted that within just five years, the global demand for freshwater will exceed supply by 40%. While reducing the time you spend in the shower may seem like a small act, collective action can make a real difference, saving billions of litres each year.
But it’s not just water that’s being wasted – long showers also consume large amounts of energy as they require more water to be heated.. The longer you stay in the shower, the more energy is needed. This contributes to carbon emissions, driving climate change by trapping heat in the atmosphere. Cutting shower time or even just turning down your water temperature slightly can help to lower your personal carbon footprint.
But the environmental impact of long showers doesn’t end there. Every time you wash with products such as shampoo, conditioner, or bodywash, a small amount of chemicals and microplastics goes down the drain. Many wastewater systems cannot fully remove these substances, meaning they often end up in lakes and rivers, disrupting aquatic ecosystems.
An ideal time for a shower is around 5-10 minutes. However the ‘4-minute shower challenge’ is championed by some water and energy companies. Why not use a timer and try it for yourself? Yorkshire Water even have a 4-minute shower songs playlist you can listen to on Spotify.
The truth is, although your long showers may feel like a small indulgence, they add up to a global crisis of wasted water, rising emissions, and threats to biodiversity. Your choices matter, and this is one crucial area where you can make a real, positive impact on the planet just by making a few small changes.