Equalogy

Posts Tagged ‘Unquenchable: America’s water crisis and what to do about it. John Stewart’

Like most 20-somethings, I turn to John Stewart for my media breakdown and could not of been happier when he invited Robert Glennon, professor at the Universirty of Arizona, to discuss his new book Unquenchable: America’s water crisis and what to do about it.

One thing they both agreed on?  Americans are lazy.

Stewart, through his joking, managed to hit a number of great points, the most poignant being that American’s are not apt to do anything to stop this crisis that involves exerting effort.

Stewart: Is this one of those situations where they are going to say to us, “the only way to save humanity is to change your behavior,” because…[those solutions have] never worked, we’re very lazy.

Glennon reasons that Americans think of water like air, infinite and limitless and that preserving this critical part of life is a lesson in valuing it.

Glennon also points out that current energy saving techniques are some of the most water-wasting practices.  hmm…could it be that ethanol isn’t the solution to all our problems??

Concerns over ethanol production have been widespread.  The Environmental Protection Agency had this to say’:

“…because of land use impacts, most biofuels actually cause more global warming pollution than conventional gasoline. According to the EPA’s draft rule, most corn ethanol is expected to result in more global warming pollution per gallon than regular gasoline for the next 33 years.” – via friends of the earth

I hope to post more about water issues the future, both about the crisis in America and the crisis that is already taking place in third world countries.  Why? Because the collection of water in rural villages is mainly a woman’s task making water’s preservation and access a woman’s issue, feminist issue and an ecological issue.

Any google search on water conservation will give you long lists of ideas, here are a few that I found the most helpful (and that may not be as obvious as turning off the water while you brush your teeth!)

• Use a water-efficient showerhead. They’re inexpensive, easy to install, and can save you up to 750 gallons a month.
• Fix any leaks and replace old toilets – one of the biggest water-wasters!
• Organize your landscape into groups of plants by the amount of water they require.
• Use the water from cleaning out your fish tank for plants and wash your dog on the lawn instead of in the bathtub!

These and 100 more ways to conserve can be found here.