Water, water everywhere—but not necessarily in the right place at the right time. Clean drinking water is already a serious problem in many countries of the world. In the future, it will be a number-one tragedy as people fight over water for drinking, crops and health. Really. I’m not making this up.
And while “big” issues are being thrashed out by heads of state, there are many simple, inexpensive ways we—collectively—can help. One person can’t do it. First, you have to change your attitude and take this seriously. Make a small shift in your way of thinking: Realize that—whoa!—this is here, now. OK, ready for some tips?
• Turn the faucet off when brushing your teeth.
• Take quick showers instead of long baths.
• Install a low-flow shower head.
• Reduce your dishwasher use by one load a week, and operate it only when full.
• Wash only full laundry loads using cold water.
• Dry on a clothesline whenever possible.
• Collect rainwater and recycle the water you wash your vegetables in, for watering your plants.
Remember, saving water also saves the energy needed to collect, treat and pump it, so can help cut the amount of greenhouse gas released. It’s not difficult, and you’ll save money and feel good about doing something positive!
— Parrish Rhodes
Asheville
Regardless of the world connection, this area’s been having drought troubles for a years. Good time to start thinking about this: before the massive heat gets here and the drought alerts start popping up. Ounce vs pound thinking.
I’d love to see a summer go by without a drought warning. It’s been far too long.