World Water Day  Every Drop Makes a Difference

10 Ways to Celebrate World Water Day, from Natural Habitat Adventures

1. Save water in obvious ways.

Think: shorter showers and fewer baths and turning off the tap when you’re brushing your teeth, doing the dinner dishes, or cooking.

2. Keep pollutants out of your water.

Don’t pour obvious pollutants down the drain or into your toilet, such as oils, medicines and chemicals.

3. Eat local.

Shop locally for in-season ingredients and products, since these are usually made with less water.

4. Protect nature.

Use natural solutions that help reduce flooding and store water for future use. Some examples: planting a tree, installing a rain garden, or using rain barrels.

5. Clean up the planet.

Engage in local clean-ups of your community’s rivers, lakes, wetlands and beaches—or organize one yourself!

6. Crack a book.

Check out The Lazy Person’s Guide to Saving Water. This guide, put together by the UN Department of Social and Economic Affairs, offers simple solutions you can take with minimal effort, and a few for those who want to dive deeper. Get further informed by reading a book from the suggested SDG Book Club list.

7. Shop for sustainable (not fast) fashion.

Did you know it takes 10,000 liters of water to produce just one pair of jeans? This equates to how much the average person drinks in 10 years. Check out these sustainably-minded fashion companies.

8. Don’t waste food.

When it comes to what’s left on your dinner plate, what you do with it can make a big difference. Approximately 1/3 of all food produced on the planet is either lost or wasted. Learn how to cut down on food waste with these 15 tips, from storing food the right way to picking “ugly” fruits and veggies. You’ll reduce the demand on agriculture, one of our biggest water consumers. And speaking of food …

9. Eat plant-based meals a few times a week.

According to the UN, “It typically takes between 790 and 1,320 liters of water to produce 2.2 pounds of rice, 528 liters for 2.2 pounds of soya, 237 liters for 2.2 pounds of wheat and 132 liters for 2.2 pounds of potatoes.” Compare that to an estimated 1,847 gallons of water to produce 1 pound of beef.

10. Write to your legislators.

Sit down and write a letter (bonus for a handwritten one!) to your legislators to ask for their support in providing clean water for all. Stress how off track we are as a planet in our attempt to meet Sustainable Development Goal 6: water and sanitation for all by 2030.