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/What We Do/Service and Advocacy/Mission Focus Issues/Climate Justice/Sustainability/Water-Use

Service and Advocacy > Mission Focus Issues > Climate Justice > Sustainability

Principle 12: Water Use

Objective

Minimize our use of this most precious natural resource.

How Tos

  • Find out if water scarcity or quality is an issue in the location where the event will be. Call the local water authority, mayor's office, public works department or local environmental group. If so, alert everyone before and during the event and explain what they can do to minimize their water usage. For all events, encourage conservation.
  • Select event and accommodations with water conservation in mind. Check for low-flow faucets, showers and toilets; options to decline linen service; and landscaping designs that minimize watering. See the hotels and retreat centers checklist for more details.
  • Encourage participants to use water fountains, and offer water pitchers on tables or bubblers. Do not use small plastic bottles of water.
  • Find out if the local jurisdiction has passed an ordinance guaranteeing the human right to water (as the state of California has done). If not, consider an advocacy action during the event to raise this with local officials. Consider offering a water-themed Ubuntu action or justice tour.

Helpful Resources

  • Check out Link opens in a new window. www.waterfootprint.org for interesting guidance on our water footprints.
  • For great facts and water saving tips, consult: Link opens in a new window. environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/freshwater/water-conservation-tips.
  • A wonderful short animated film that discusses issues concerning using bottled water, Story of Bottled Water: Link opens in a new window. storyofstuff.org/movies/story-of-bottled-water.
  • Set of tips for water conservation: Link opens in a new window. www.epa.gov/WaterSense/products/bathroom_sink_faucets.html.
  • Action! PDF Document opens in a new window. Distribute these handouts to encourage clean water advocacy.

Fast Facts

The Western region of the United States has experienced decreasing rainfall in the past 50 years. As a result of climate change, this downward trend is likely to continue, with water scarcity especially noteworthy during the summer when demand is highest: Link opens in a new window. www.epa.gov/climatechange/impacts-adaptation/water.html.

According to National Geographic, it takes about 70 gallons of water to fill a bath tub, so showers generally save on water.

The water it takes to produce the average American diet alone-approximately 1,000 gallons per person per day-is more than the global average water footprint of 900 gallons per person per day for diet, household use, transportation, energy and the consumption of material goods. (Source: National Geographic)

A cup of coffee takes 55 gallons of water to make, with most of that H2O used to grow the coffee beans. (Source: National Geographic)

Policy Foundation

The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church: The Natural World” (¶160), the Social Principles.

The Book Of Resolutions of The United Methodist Church: #1023 “Environmental Justice for a Sustainable Future,” #1026 “Environmental Stewardship,” #1029 “Protection of Water.”

Did You Know?

A cup of coffee takes 55 gallons of water to make, with most of that H2O used to grow the coffee beans.
(Source: National Geographic)

 

This TedX talk by Dr. Kalanithy Vairavamoorthy challenges our overuse of water through spiritual and practical understandings.


PDF Document opens in a new window. Principle 12: WATER USE


Principle 1: Accessibility
Principle 2: Affordability
Principle 3: Carbon Footprint
Principle 4: Healthy Food and Beverages
Principle 5: Just Economic Opportunities
Principle 6: Local Solidarity
Principle 7: Multigenerational Inclusion
Principle 8: Paper Use
Principle 9: Racial Justice
Principle 10: Toxin Reduction
Principle 11: Waste Reduction
Principle 12: Water Use
Principle 13: Well-being of Participants


Ready to take the survey?

Link opens in a new window. Be prepared to answer these questions about Accessibility.
Tip: Click on questions in new window to enlarge.
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Click Here Once you have your facts and figures ready, take the online survey.

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