How world can reduce its water footprint

I RECENTLY received an e-mail from Severn Trent saying that although there is plenty of “raw” water in reservoirs, there has been a huge increase in demand for treated water caused by the warm weather and people staying at home.

There followed a number of tips to conserve water, such as using a watering can rather than a hose for the garden. Others included ensuring water-using appliances were full before use and using a washing-up bowl for tasks.

For many years, I have poured water used for rinsing fruit and vegetables from a bowl into watering cans to water plants.

Among other water-saving methods during the recent hot spell, I even baled out bath water into buckets to use on the garden.

Although the water I reused reduced my “water footprint”, the amount I saved is insignificant compared to a diet that includes animal products.

It is reported that animal agriculture is responsible for up to a third of all fresh water consumption worldwide.

On average, a vegan diet (no meat, dairy or eggs) indirectly consumes nearly 600 gallons of water less per day that someone who has the average western diet.

The Stockholm International Water Institute has said the world will run out of fresh water by 2050 if consumption of animal products continues at the current rate.

Severn Trent should perhaps include eating a plant-based diet as a highly effective water saving tip!

Elizabeth Allison, Aylestone