Sustainability Tip of the Week – #STOTW
Last summer has been one of the warmest summers in recorded history. Annual precipitation was at an all time low. As a result, New York state has experienced one of the worst droughts of all time. In times like these, it is important to conserve water. Even if we are not currently in a drought it is beneficial to conserve water.
In order to calculate your water footprint, National Geographic has created a calculator that takes your everyday activities, diet, and home into consideration. The calculator shows you how much water you use for your home and yard, and for transportation and energy. It also estimates how much water you use indirectly in your diet and clothing, furniture, paper, and electronic purchases.
The calculator shows you how you compare to the average American in each category and provides advice on how to decrease your water consumption. National Geographic also suggests signing a pledge to decrease your water use. There are three steps to completely the pledge. The first includes small actions such as reducing food waste, turning off lights and electronics when not in use, buying fewer clothes, and avoiding plants that require high amounts of water. The second step involves signing up for friendly reminders and tips via email or text. The third and final step is to watch a video about water conservation.
Other easy actions to take to reduce the amount of water you use include
- Turning off faucets when not in use
- Not watering your lawn
- Installing efficient faucets, toilets, and showerheads
- Reducing the number and length of showers
- Reducing the number of loads of laundry you do per week
- Purchasing an efficient washing machine
- Eating less meat and dairy
- Carpool or take public transportation
- Use less electricity
- Avoid new purchases whenever possible- reduce, reuse, and recycle first!
Photo source: www.pexels.com
Written by Alyssa Lemire, Class of 2017