Baby step: save shower water with a bucket

A couple of years ago we visited my in-law's house and I remember feeling quite appalled when my husband explained to me that there was a bucket in the shower/tub of his parents' bathroom to capture the clean, cold water coming out of the faucet before it turns warm enough to shower. I can't even describe my reaction. It just seemed so cheap and utterly insane. My husband gave me a look that said "You're telling me?!? This is one of many reasons why I don't live here anymore!"

Now, I'm a bit chagrined at my original reaction to the shower bucket. Because if you look into my shower, you'll find one just like it. In the summer, we use this mini reservoir to water outdoors plants. Now in the wetter months, the water is mostly used for cleaning. When we actually remember to bathe the children, we use this water to help fill up the tub.

I don't foist it on my guests (there's no bucket in the guest bathroom). Only the master. I also acknowledge that there's a risk in leaving a water-filled bucket in homes with small children, and only went this route when I felt my kids would not risk drowning themselves in it.

We are heading out of town to visit my in-laws this weekend, and although we won't be staying at their house, I have a much changed attitude. They've always been "savers" so I look forward to the creative ideas we may learn from them on this trip.