As Climate Change Turns up the Heat, Conserving Water is Everyone’s Business

Water is a precious and limited resource on the planet. Either we have too much, as the deluges in British Columbia sweep lives away, or we have precious little, as California remains bone dry.

The amount of water on Earth now is the same as when the planet was formed. Yet 97% of it is salty, bound up in the oceans. Another 2%  is frozen (for now) in glaciers. That leaves only 1% for human and animal needs.

If we’re going to keep our heads above water, we need 1 billion Climate activists to become Water Conservationists right now—today.

It’s a hot topic.

Water sustainability has become a hot topic and companies such as Microsoft have pledged to replenish more water than it consumes by 2030. Starbucks has made a similar pledge and many other businesses, both large and small are following suit. 

By following sustainable practices, you will save money, save your good reputation, and play your part in saving the world from water shortages and other types of environmental damage. 

It’s all water under the bridge if we don’t start at home.

• Fix leaks, including leaky toilets
• Install high-efficiency toilets, aerators on bathroom faucets, and water-efficient showerheads
• Take shorter (5-minute) showers
• Track your water bill and meter to curtail water use
• Turn off the water when brushing teeth or shaving
• Use dishwashers and washing machines with full loads only

Test the waters outside your house.

• Plant drought-tolerant/resistant plants and trees
• Recycle indoor water to use on plants
• Refrain from watering your home landscape when it rains
• Replace your grass/turf with water-wise plants
• Use a broom to clean driveways, patios, and sidewalks instead of water from a hose
• Water your outdoor landscape earlier in the day when temperatures are cooler

Save it for a rainy day.  

If you live in a water feast or famine climate area, take advantage of the water do you receive.

You could follow the example of agricultural businesses that collect rainwater via farm water tanks if you’re working within an industry that depends on water for landscaping and crop production.

What’s the Importance of Water Conservation?

Water regulates the Earth’s temperature. It also regulates the temperature of the human body, carries nutrients and oxygen to cells, cushions joints, protects organs and tissues, and removes wastes.

75% of the human brain is water, and 75% of a living tree is water.

Yet, many people across the world struggle to access safe, reliable, and affordable water to meet their everyday needs for drinking, cooking and sanitation.

A person can live about a month without food, but only about a week without water.

Water is a limited resource and conserving it must be key. By doing so, we will ensure more water for the needs of ourselves, local communities, and the planet’s biodiversity.

“We forget that the water cycle and the life cycle are one.” — Jacques Yves Cousteau

Today then, ask yourself this one question: What can I do to conserve more water? Think upon this and then take the appropriate actions in your home, business and workplace.