When trying to conserve water, do you think about what’s on your plate? The fact that a certain amount of water is required for food to be produced is often forgotten, so the United Nations highlighted this fact for World Water Day 2012. This also varies greatly for different types of food. For example, producing one pound of beef consumes 2,400 gallons of water, while growing one pound of wheat requires only 25 gallons. (Photo courtesy of the United Nations)
[nggallery id=147 template=carousel images=4][imagebrowser id=147] By Kavitha Pramod April 8, 2012
When trying to conserve water, do you think about what’s on your plate? The fact that a certain amount of water is required for food to be produced is often forgotten, so the United Nations highlighted this fact for World Water Day 2012. This amount also varies greatly among different types of food.
For example, producing one pound of beef consumes 2,400 gallons of water, while growing one pound of wheat requires only 25 gallons. Upon seeing these numbers, the role that we can play in conserving fresh water through simple dietary changes is obvious. Transitioning from a diet heavily based in beef to a primarily vegetarian diet is one method of conserving fresh water. Sierra Club Green Home encourages exploring low-impact diet options, even if you do not go completely vegetarian or vegan.
Beyond dietary changes, individuals can participate in the spirit of World Water Day by starting their own campaign to spread awareness on this important topic. The FAO has provided materials to any interested person on the World Water Day Web site. Additionally, WaterAid America, an organization dedicated to getting fresh water to the world’s poorest communities, has provided other important ways to support the theme of World Water Day.
As the world’s fresh water resources continue to dwindle, the importance of this day and fresh water awareness becomes even greater. Although World Water Day is one day in the year, the message behind it should be remembered and practiced every day. By doing so, we can hopefully move towards a sustainable future where fresh water is available to everyone.
For related article, see: How Big Is Your Water Footprint? Sustainable Seafood Guide: How to Save the Seas with Your Diet Eat a Low-Carbon Diet
© 2012 SCGH, LLC.
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