eating

Conserve Water, Save Australia By Eating

We live in a beautiful country, full of natural resources, rugged landscapes and unique wildlife.

Unfortunately, Australia is at high risk of water deficiency as a result of climate change, environmental stress and low rainfall.

This makes it important to conserve water when we can. Here are several steps you can take in your home to reduce your water usage, just by monitoring what you put in your mouth.

Go vegetarian

You don’t have to give up meat entirely, but eating meat free at least one day every week can significantly reduce the amount of water you are using.

It takes around 15,000 litres of water to make one kilo of beef. In comparison, to make the same amount of rice it would take only 3,500 litres, according to the United Nations Department of Economic and social affairs (UNDESA).

The water cost of food includes the price it takes to water crops, hydrate the animals and package the meat at the end of the line.

Make sure you are eating all you cook so not to waste it and consider using eco friendly bags or sandwich bags for leftovers.

Steam not boil

Cooking your veggies by steam rather than in a pot of boiling water can save water. However, if you do choose to boil vegetables, make sure you reuse the water. Save it for the garden and pour it on your plants.

Wash not rinse

If you are cleaning vegetables, pour a bath of water rather than using the tap to rinse them, as this uses less liquid.

“Water is central to the well-being of people and the planet,” said UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon at an address earlier in 2013 to promote the International Year of Water Cooperation 2013.

There are other eco-friendly products you could purchase to lower your water consumption and it is an important goal to work towards.

“We must work together to protect and carefully manage this fragile, finite resource,” said Mr Ban Ki-moon.

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