It is sometimes easy to forget that even the simplest things can have a big impact. Take your use of detergents, for example. Most people never even bother reading the label—they just dump a whole bunch in. But most detergents have multiple levels of using their product, such as using less for different kinds of water or for smaller loads. You can also cut some products with other products (or with water) to consume less of a more harmful product. (In this picture, I use a Downy Ball to measure out fabric softner, but in the ball is 2/3 plain white vinegar and 1/3 Mountain Green sensitive skin no perfume/no dye fabric softener. It makes my clothes super fluffy.) Using less detergents not only makes sense in terms of reducing the amount we tax the water system, but it also saves money in the long run when products stretch out over more loads.