Water

Conserve every drop and protect access to clean water.

Clean water is essential for life, yet it’s often overused, polluted, or taken for granted. By using water more wisely and protecting its sources, we help ensure that people and ecosystems can thrive—now and for generations to come.

Understand My Water Footprint

Each of us has a water footprint, directly linked to our daily activities as well as the water required in the production of things we use each day. Understanding our water use is important for a healthy planet. I will calculate my water footprint and look for a few ways I can reduce consumption or waste, then share what I learned on the feed.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Water Footprint Calculator

The Surprising Water Footprints of 15 Common Things

How We Use Water
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Brush My Teeth Without Running Water

I will save up to 4 gallons (15 L) of water each day by turning it off while brushing my teeth.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Water Questions & Answers: How Much Water Does the Average Person Use at Home Per Day?

Home Water-Saving Tips
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DAILY ACTION
Learn About Water Justice

Access to clean water is a basic right, yet not everyone has it. I will spend (___) minutes learning about water justice issues and who is affected.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Water Inequality: Figures and Data that Explore the Global Gap

Learn About Global Water Issues

Tribal Waters (Documentary)
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DAILY ACTION
Take 5-Minute Showers

I will save up to 20 gallons (75 L) of water each day by taking 5-minute showers.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Take 5 Minute Showers

How to Save Water: Shower and Bath
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DAILY ACTION
Conserve Toilet Water

I will save water in my dorm or shared living space by only flushing the toilet when necessary—potentially conserving up to 12 gallons (45 L) per day.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Do I Need to Flush Every Time?

How to Save Water: Toilet
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DAILY ACTION
Mulch the Base of Trees and Plants

I will mulch the base of trees or plants near my dorm, apartment, or school garden to reduce runoff and help soil retain water.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

The Complete Guide to Mulch

The Importance of Mulching
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Collect Rain Water for Outdoor Use

I will create a rain garden or bioswale or use rain barrels to collect water for outdoor watering needs.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Create a Rain Garden

Bioswales

A Better Rainwater-Harvesting System
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Practice Eco-Friendly Gardening

I will plant native species, landscape with water-efficient plants, and use eco-friendly fertilizers.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Native Plant Finder

Groundwater.org
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Fix Leaky Faucets

I will report or fix leaking faucets in my dorm, apartment, or shared space to prevent water waste—up to 9 gallons (34 L) per day per faucet.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

How to Fix a Leaky Faucet

How to Repair a Leaky Kitchen Faucet
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Install a Low-Flow Showerhead

If allowed, I will install a low-flow showerhead in my dorm or apartment to save water. If not, I’ll advocate for them or look for other water-saving habits.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Low-Flow Aerators / Showerheads
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ONE-TIME ACTION
Insulate Water Pipes and Water Heater

I will look for simple ways to reduce water waste, like reporting slow-to-heat faucets or learning how insulation helps in homes and dorms.
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ACTION RESOURCES:

Your Shower Is Wasting Huge Amounts of Energy and Water. Here’s What You Can Do About It.
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ONE-TIME ACTION
CREATE A CUSTOM ACTION

Ideally, you’ll choose at least one measurable goal so that you can measure your success but there are no limits on what you can choose—so exercise your creativity!

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