World Water Day
What is a water footprint?
Freshwater is vital to life yet comprises only 3% of the world’s water. As water demand increases, water resources are strained, causing concerns and crises around the world. Thus, to help individuals, businesses, and countries become more transparent with their water use, the Water Footprint Network created the concept of a water footprint. Similar to a carbon footprint, a water footprint measures the volume of water consumed, evaporated, or polluted by a person or organization. These footprints allow for people to have a frame of reference on usage and helps the world be more sustainable by shining a light on water usage patterns.
A large consideration of a water footprint is virtual water, which is water “hidden” in the products, services, and processes people buy and use everyday. This includes water used to produce energy, food, and the products you may buy such as a nice winter coat. Most importantly, what you eat comprises at least ½ of your total footprint. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations estimates that between 500 and 1,300 gallons of water are needed to produce a person’s daily food. This is because agriculture is the largest water user and accounts for 70% of global freshwater withdrawals, of which 41% is used for livestock.
Understanding and reducing water footprints is crucial in addressing global water scarcity. By making informed choices about consumption and production, individuals, businesses, and governments can work towards more sustainable water use!
Now that you know what a water footprint is, calculate yours here.
Is your water footprint higher than you anticipated? Here are some ways to reduce your water footprint:
- Buy second-hand or sustainably produced clothes. Just one cotton t-shirt can require almost 700 gallons of water to produce.
- Swap cow’s milk for oat milk. Feeding and maintaining a milking cow requires 40-50 gallons a day.
- Eat more plant-based meals. Producing meat requires significantly more water than growing vegetables, grains, and legumes. Reducing meat consumption, even a few times a week, can lower your overall water footprint.
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