How Earth-Friendly Are You?

Section: 
justice_peace/eco

 

Praised be You, my Lord, through Sister Water, so useful, lowly, precious and pure.
— Canticle of the Creatures, St. Francis of Assisi

“Water and Wastewater”
 
Each of the ten statements below is a statement related to our use of water and waste water. Try to describe your current choices.
Answers range from:
 
1
5
10
Never
Sometimes
Always
 
Read the 10 statements below. In the adjacent box, write the number corresponding to your answer. E.g. ‚ 1= Never. When you finish, add the numbers to get a score.
 

ANSWERS
 
 
1. ___________
 
2. ___________
 
3. ___________
 
 
4. ___________
 
5. ___________
 
6. ___________
 
 
7. ___________
 
 
8. ___________
 
 
9. ___________
 
10.___________

 

  1. I run the washing machine and dishwasher only when full.
  2. I spend less than 5 minutes taking my shower.
  3. I plug the bathtub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature.
  4. I direct downspouts and other runoff towards shrubs and trees.
  5. I designate one glass for drinking water each day.
  6. I use the "small load" on the washer whenever possible.
  7. I drink filtered water from the tap instead of buying bottled water.
  8. I turn the water off while shampooing and conditioning my hair.
  9. I am careful to turn off faucets, keeping them from dripping.
  10. I keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up and use the water to flush the toilet or water plants.
 
Score of 20 -69? See tips.
Score of 70+? See resources for ongoing learning.
 

Tips for Living More Lightly

 
  1. By turning of the water while brushing, you save approximately 4 gallons of water for each minute you brush.
  2. Taking a shower less than 5 minutes will save up to 1,000 gallons of water each month.
  3. If your shower can fill a one-gallon bucket in less than 20 seconds, then replace it with a water-efficient showerhead.
  4. Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost instead and save gallons every time.
  5. If you accidentally drop ice cubes when filling your glass from the freezer, don’t throw them in the sink. Drop them in a house plant instead.
  6. While staying in a hotel or even at home, consider reusing your towels.
  7. Avoid running water to thaw food.
  8. Support projects that use reclaimed wastewater for irrigation and other uses.
  9. Avoid pouring toxic substances or unknown chemicals down the drain.
  10. Use phosphate free detergents.

Resources

 

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