Water heater jackets are the first step if you have an older unit. Laura also needs to know where the hot water is going. Changing the settings to a warm wash and cold rinse would reduce that to 7 gallons. A bath or long shower uses 20 gallons. The dishwasher runs through 10 gallons per load.
Experts suggest that consumers use cold water laundry cycles whenever possible.
Unless your clothes are very dirty, a cold rinse will be sufficient for proper cleaning. The average family can take a lot of showers during a month. A good showerhead will reduce water consumption by half. Assuming daily showers for a family of four, that could be as much as 1,200 gallons saved each month. Your electric company may offer you a discount if you allow a 'peak load' controller to be placed on your water heater.