We're Running out of Clean Water

Most of us take it for granted that when we turn on the tap, we'll have all the clean water we need.  We also know that many people in other countries aren't so fortunate.  But, did you know that by the year 2050, two-thirds of the world's population will lack clean, or potable, water?

Part of the problem is overpopulation, especially in poorer nations.  An even larger part of the problem is what we eat.  Surprised?  Here are some eye-opening statistics:

Worldwide, 70% of the potable water is used for agriculture.  Breaking down what that actually means for our everyday life, the livestock industry in the US is the largest consumer of fresh water. Not only does livestock consume most of the water, it also leads to the compaction of the soil, the degradation of river and stream banks and the clearing of forests/woods for expanded grazing.

We also have to look at how much water is needed to raise the animals and feed and to process the animals for consumption.  Research shows that 2400 liters of water go into the production of ONE hamburger.  1200 liters are needed to make a cheese pizza.  Yet, only 25 liters are needed to produce a potato and 300 liters are needed to produce a tomato pizza.  It takes 5,300 liters of fresh water for every dollar's worth of grain fed to cattle.  One cup of coffee requires 55 gallons of water.

We can see that if we all were to become vegans, the water consumption in our country would be slashed, considerably.  But, let's face it, that's not going to happen.  People love beef and love their burgers.  If we were simply to switch from grain/corn fed beef (cows are allergic to corn, by the way...that's why they produce methane gas) and buy grass-fed beef, there would be virtually no ground water needed to feed that cow.  We'd also virtually eliminate agriculturally produced methane.  If we could cut down on the amount of animal protein, we'd also decrease the impact on potable water.  Would it be possible to replace one or two animal-based meals a week?  Children love spaghetti...how about making it vegetarian?  I have a recipe on my website.  Eating organic foods also helps decrease the amount of water pollution created by the application of synthetic pesticides and herbicides by the conventionally-grown agricultural industry.

There are so many little changes that we as individuals could make that, taken together, could make a tremendous difference for the world our children and grandchildren will inherit.  Let's just do it!

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