Ethical Man's water ideas shortage

Justin Rowlatt isn't being allowed to get away with a lot of ifs and water butts for the latest stage of his ethical makeover.

His producer has told him it's time to look at how he can avoid wasting water.

Trouble is, he's facing an ideas drought. He's tried to turn on the tap of inspiration only to hear the distant gurgle of pipes that are running dry. He needs help.

So, Ethical Man is appealing (that's appealing, not appalling). We know that just having two water butts in his garden isn't likely to satisfy the many viewers who are already passionate about conserving water. So, we'd like to hear from them.

Have you hit upon revolutionary ways of saving and recycling water? What can ethical man do to conserve the water he and his family use in the home? Is there more to H20 awareness than just shoving a brick in your cistern?

Click here to help E-Man beat his ideas drought

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Ensure that all your rain-water pipes feed into soak-a-ways and not it the drains. In soak-a-ways the water has a chance of getting into the ground water, in drains it does not.
Ian Edmunds-Tutty, Penarth

Keep a pebble in your mouth like the old American tribes... or speak less.
Jon Redfern, London

Can't you get a de-salinisation plant powered by a combination of wind, sun and wave power and stop worrying about water.
Matthew, Edinburgh

1) Save up rain-water in a large container to use on the garden instead of using a tap. A pump could be added so that a hosepipe can be used if needed. 2) Fit "push button" taps that turn themselves off automatically to stop taps being left on. They're the same type of taps that you can find in public toilets. 3) Use a shower instead of having a bath. 4) Use Pilkington glass for windows (self-cleaning glass) so that water is not wasted in window washing. 5) If people want a water feature in their gardens, try to make it one that utilises running rain-water, such as a water wheel.
Keir Gravil, York

When I first arrived here in the late 80s, Southern California was in the midst of a decade-long drought. Every pub, restaurant, and coffee shop had this sign in the loo: "If it's brown, flush it down. If it's yellow, leave it mellow." About as polite as one can be, I suppose, given the nature of the, ahem, doings. Best of luck, Ethical Man. Your toil goes not unnoticed.
Mark Edward, Los Angeles

I have a trampoline in my garden, which has a plastic cover. In the middle of the cover there is a ventilation hole. When it rains, a huge amount of water gathers on the cover and runs through the hole. This can be collected and used to water the garden, wash the car and even flush the toilet.
David Standen, Hastings

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