Water is a basic human right, an absolute necessity that has no substitutes. All living organisms, especially human beings, rely on this element for survival and preservation of life. Yet, we are swiftly running out of this precious resource. According to UN Water, nearly half the global population are already living in potential water scarce areas at least one month per year and this could increase to some 4.8–5.7 billion in 2050. This means that as individuals we bear responsibility to use this resource efficiently and sustainably. It’s simple, we need to educate ourselves as well as our children on how to save water in daily life. This blog is a step in that direction.
5 ways to save water
May 23-27 is Water Saving Week in the UK. This week emphasizes the scarcity of water on the planet and its rapid depletion due to climate change and global lifestyle choices. In the spirit of this week, we are sharing a list of 5 quick tips we can share with our children to build a habit of water conservation. But first, let’s listen to a groovy water conservation song:
Source: Periwinkle
1. Take Shorter Showers
There’s a good chance that the first thing you did this morning is taking a shower. But what if you opened the tap and there was no water? That is exactly what the UN has warned us about. In a few decades, most of us will be living in water insecurity. That is, if we don’t change current water consumption patterns. The average shower uses 5-10 gallons of water per minute. This water is now undrinkable and cannot be consumed. So, we need to be mindful of the water wastage caused by long showers.
2. Eat Plant-Based Diet
Did you know? One pound of beef takes up to 8,396 litres of water. That’s enough water to fill up to 39 bathtubs! So, in every meal that you forego a pound of beef, you save 39 bathtubs worth of clean drinking water. Fruits and vegetables on the other hand, consume significantly less water. 1 kg of potatoes for example, takes only up to 287 litres of water for its production. So, time for us to teach our kids that they can make a difference by simply eating wisely!
3. Buy Less ‘Stuff’
Everything we own and we buy takes water to be produced. From our t-shirts to our smart phones and laptops, thousands of gallons of water are at stake. For example, a pair of jeans requires 7,500 litres of water for its production while one laptop requires 8,500 litres of water. When we make the choice to recycle, re-use and buy less – we play our role in saving this precious resource.
4. Beware of Leaks!
Check your house for leaks and wastage. From your garden and kitchen to your bathroom, make sure your house is free of faulty sprouts and water connections that lead to wastage. Even a small drip can waste 50 or more gallons of water a day!
5. Time your gardening
Water your plants in the early morning or at night when sunlight doesn’t evaporate the water quickly. More importantly, tell your gardener and property developers to use indigenous plants for landscaping so that you can avoid the large water footprint caused by the import of plants and seeds.
Follow these simple tips and save water in daily life. Teach your children and help them consciously cultivate water conservation habits. If you’d like to contribute to helping other children access safe drinking water, please donate water to Africa.
