World Water Day is coming up on Monday March 22, 2021. Water is essential not just for human health, but for all living beings and our planet, too. In fact, water is one of the most important substances on earth, yet many of us take it for granted on a daily basis. This World Water Day, check out these facts about water as well as tips and ways to conserve water, even from the comfort of your own home.
8 facts about water
- Nearly 97% of the world’s water is salty or otherwise undrinkable. Another 2% is locked in icecaps and glaciers. That leaves just 1% for all of humanity’s needs. —U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- There is the same amount of water on Earth as there was when Earth was formed. The water from your faucet could contain molecules that dinosaurs drank. —U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- 96.5% of water on Earth is in our oceans, covering 71% of the surface of our planet. —NASA
- 75% of the human brain is water —U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- A human eye is 95% water —Bureau of Reclamation California-Great Basin
- A newborn baby is 78% water. Adults are 55-60% water. —NASA
- 780 million people lack access to an improved water source —World Health Organization and UNICEF
- Just 33% of what the world spends on bottled water every year would pay to provide clean water for the 780 million without it. —Natural Resources Defense Council
15 ways to conserve water
So, as there is just 1% of water available for all of humanity’s needs, we need to conserve water wherever possible. It is also important to appreciate the clean running water we have in our homes, especially considering 780 million people lack access to safe and reliable water sources. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, most of us are spending more time in our homes than ever before and so here are some ways to reduce our water consumption.
- Use a bowl in the kitchen sink when washing dishes.
- Take a shower rather than a bath.
- Take shorter showers.
- Don’t let the faucet run unless you really need to.
- Wait until you have a full load of dishes or clothes washing before using your dishwasher or washing machine.
- Use a water-saving device in your toilet cistern.
- Water your garden and plants with a watering can rather than a hose or sprinkler system.
- Water your plants when it’s cooler or deep-soak your lawn.
- Collect rainwater and use it to water the plants in your yard.
- Check your home regularly for leaks.
- Only flush your toilet when you need to and don’t use it to get rid of other waste.
- Store water in a jug in the fridge for access to cold water rather than running the tap waiting for it to get cold.
- Use a broom to clean the outside of your home rather than a hose or pressure washer.
- Talk to your household about making a collaborative effort to conserve water.
- Cut down on meat, dairy, and crops that require large amounts of water during production/rearing.
Looking for more ways to take action and help save water? Check out Friends of the Earth who have more information on putting pressure on governments as well as boycotting companies and investors that contribute to water scarcity through buying up land across the globe.
Also by Anna: The Rise of Alternative Toilet Paper and Why We Should Care
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Photo: Anna Ashbarry and Canva
