Did you know that the average European uses 144 litres(!) of water a day? That's a remarkably high amount, considering that in less fortunate parts of the world, the lack of drinking water is already a serious problem. In the next 30 years, Hungary is expected to join the ranks of countries where the lack of adequate water quality is already a serious problem. So it is important for the future of us all that we try to reduce our water footprint. Read our article for tips on how to reduce your water footprint!
Let's start from the very beginning: what is the ecological footprint?
In the 1990s, it became increasingly clear that we were destroying the Earth at a rate that was a direct route to disaster. To illustrate this, various indicators - such as ecological footprints, water footprints, carbon footprints - have been developed to show the extent to which human activity is using - or rather overusing - the planet's resources. We've heard a lot about carbon emissions, greenhouse gases and plastic pollution over the past decades, but water scarcity has been less of a concern. Yet although much of the planet is covered in water, only 3% of its water is freshwater! We are not even at the point where this could happen in our lifetime, as water scarcity is already a serious problem in nearly a third of Europe.
1.Source: European Environment Agency
Part of this is your water footprint, a measure of how much water you use directly or indirectly in your lifetime. This includes the amount you drink and use for cooking, washing, watering or cleaning. But it is less obvious that you also use water indirectly, as it is needed to produce energy, goods and services
What is the threat of water scarcity?
The first thing you might think of is the lack of tap water, which is serious enough in itself. But beyond that, there are countless other uses for water that you wouldn't think of. For example, did you know that...
- 140 litres for making your morning coffee
- 8000 litres to make the jeans you are wearing
- and your burger for lunch requires 2400 litres of water?
So water scarcity affects not only drinking water supplies directly, but also agriculture, the food industry and a large proportion of the goods and services you use regularly in your daily life.
Tips to help you reduce your water footprint
At this point we could give you tips like turning off the tap when brushing, but you already know that. Let's look at some environmentally conscious practices you may not have heard of.
Use it again yourself!
The best way to do this is to collect rainwater, which you can then use to water your plants or pre-soak your clothes. And you're doing a lot for a sustainable world. On the other hand, you can connect your sink and toilet with a small water collection tank, so you can recycle the water you spill when washing your hands. You can also use the detergent water left over after mopping to flush the toilet, as it doesn't need drinking water quality anyway, so it's a win-win situation!
Learn about recycled water!
Today, water recycling is becoming increasingly important, as the demand for drinking water is growing rapidly with the population, while our resources are finite. The process involves treating wastewater chemically, physically and biologically, and the end result is water suitable for reuse.
By recycling water, industrial companies can save huge amounts of drinking water, which in the long run can lead to a more sustainable, healthier ecosystem for all. And how can you do your part? By making a choice! Give preference to companies that you know have a strong focus on environmental issues!
Encouragingly, NextGen research shows that nearly ¾ of the population in major European countries would also consume recycled water for drinking purposes. Social engagement is very important when it comes to water saving. Do you want to do something to protect water?
Buy cleaning products made with recycled water!
Did you know that the average cleaning product is 90% water? By replacing this amount with recycled water, we can contribute to sustainability. Cleaning products made with recycled water can help you achieve perfect cleaning results at home, and when they go down the drain, they turn into organic waste that can be turned back into eco-friendly cleaning products over time. Plus, cleaning products made with recycled ingredients are sustainable products in more ways than one.
CYCLE 's ready-to-use products are made using just such a principle, with recycled organic acids - such as acetic acid - and recycled water as their main ingredients. And the CYCLE 10X range of concentrates, diluted with rainwater, is also a great combination for reducing water footprints. They take just 20 seconds to prepare and leave your home sparkling clean!
