Do you know your water footprint?
You’ve probably heard of a carbon footprint, but have you heard of a water footprint? It’s a pretty interesting topic, and one that’s becoming more and more important as our world’s population grows and resources become scarcer.
What is a water footprint?
In a nutshell, a water footprint is the total amount of water used to produce a product or support an activity. It can include the water used in production, as well as the water used to grow the raw materials.
So why does this matter? Well, for starters, fresh water is a limited resource. In fact, over two billion people worldwide don’t have access to safe drinking water. And as our global population continues to grow, demand for water is only going to increase.
It’s not just about the quantity of water used. The way water is used can also have a big impact on local communities and ecosystems. For example, industrial and agricultural processes can pollute water sources, which can be devastating for both people and wildlife.
What is your water footprint?
Now, you might be thinking, “But I don’t use that much water in my daily life.” The truth is we all have a water footprint whether we realize it or not. Every time you drink a cup of coffee, take a shower, or even wear a t-shirt, you’re using water. And the water footprint of those products extends all the way back to their production. You can use this online calculator to determine you and your family’s water footprint.
What can we do to reduce our water footprints?
By making even small changes in our daily lives, we can all play a role in reducing our water footprints and helping to preserve this precious resource for future generations. Here are a few simple tips:
- Reduce, reuse, recycle: We all know this mantra from the environmental movement, but it really does apply to water usage too. Try to use less water in your daily life by taking shorter showers, turning off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth, and fixing any leaks. And when it comes to products, look for items that have been produced with sustainable water practices.
- Be mindful of what you eat: The production of food requires a lot of water. In fact, it’s estimated that up to 90% of our water footprint can come from the food we eat. Try to make more sustainable choices in your diet, like eating less meat and more plant-based foods.
- Support companies with sustainable water practices: Companies are starting to realize the importance of reducing their water footprints, and many are taking steps to become more sustainable. (Psst, Free the Ocean is one of them.)
Who knew that saving water could be so simple, right? Let’s all do our part and make the world a better place, one drop of water at a time!
