If you are a somewhat constant reader of this blog, than you will know that the conservation of the oceans has become my cause-of-choice. Today is World Oceans Day and I can’t think of a better time to write about some easy ways we can all start contributing to an effort which, considering the size of the problem, often goes overlooked. I myself am one of the many who, until recently, never lived near the cost and thus thought little about this issue. But, each and every one of us is close to a river, a lake, wetlands, creek, pond, or some other seemingly insignificant source of water and pay little attention to it. I realize most people don’t have time to think long and hard on this issue or do hours or research. So, this post is devoted to delivering a few simple facts that floored me about water consumption and the simplest ways I think each person can start making a change.
Education - Uncommon Water Facts:
- Water covers over two-thirds of the worlds surface.
- Less than 1% of that water is fresh and available for consumption.
- A cup of coffee takes 55 gallons of water to make, with most of that H2O used to grow the coffee beans.
- That quarter pounder is worth more than 30 average American showers. One of the easiest ways to slim your water footprint is to eat less meat and dairy. Another way is to choose grass-fed, rather than grain-fed, since it can take a lot of water to grow corn and other feed crops.
- Recycling a pound of paper, less than the weight of your average newspaper, saves about 3.5 gallons of water. Buying recycled paper products saves water too, as it takes about six gallons of water to produce a dollar worth of paper.
- A gallon of gasoline takes nearly 13 gallons of water to produce. Combine your errands, car pool to work, or take public transportation to reduce both your energy and water use.
- Energy Star dishwashers use about 4 gallons of water per load, and even standard machines use only about 6 gallons. Hand washing generally uses about 20 gallons of water each time.
Action - Things you can do:
- Use a reusable cloth bag or old fashioned steel lunch box to carry your lunch to work or school.
- Use real silverware, plates, and cups for parties instead of plastic.
- Use matches instead of plastic encased lighters. They usually give them to you for free at the liquor store.
- Use cloth rags for clean up around the house, no paper towels - reduces your trash and need for trash bags.
- Opt to drink directly from the glass instead of using a plastic straw.
- Buy milk and eggs in cartons not plastic or Styrofoam.
- Store all your food in glass containers. If you purchase something bottled in glass, clean it and reuse it.
- When buying bottled drinks, opt for glass instead of plastic.
Resources - Places to find more information and hopefully get involved:
Best, Lauren
*These unbelievable photos were submissions to the Ocean Conservation 2011 Photo Contest. (1) “I Love NY”, Robert Moses, NY, Thomas Colla (2) “Innocence”, Central California Coast, Brenda J. Lee (3) “Come Swimming”, Cozumel, Dave Cowlishaw
