Ways to Reduce Your Carbon Footprint

Many people are aware of the global climate crisis, which is caused in large part by carbon emissions. Many people also know that a large portion of the global population (approximately 2.2 billion people, according to the World Health Organization) lack access to clean water. However, fewer people understand the connection between climate change and clean water—or that changes in one can have an impact on the other. 

In addition to higher temperatures and rising sea levels, climate change poses a significant threat to clean water sources. Scientists agree that global warming is leading to more intense weather phenomena, including hurricanes and heatwaves. Natural disasters that result in flooding (such as hurricanes) endanger groundwater sources through contamination and can damage the physical infrastructure that transports and sanitizes water. And, thanks to longer drought seasons, groundwater supplies will likely continue to dwindle. 

This dangerous cycle works both ways: climate change exacerbates the water crisis, and many so-called solutions to the water problem produce significant carbon emissions. In developed nations such as the US and UK, water transportation and sanitation require a surprising amount of energy. In developing nations such as Kenya, where clean water is not widely available, many people are forced to sanitize their water by boiling, which they often accomplish by burning charcoal or wood. In doing so, they contribute to deforestation and carbon emissions. 

Fortunately, each of us is capable of making a difference simply by adjusting our own lifestyle habits. At this point, most people are familiar with the standard guidance on how to reduce their carbon footprint: drive less, turn the lights off, recycle, et cetera. But in addition to these important advisories, there are a plethora of ways to reduce your carbon footprint with little to no effort. Below are just a few suggestions:

• Take fewer showers. Yep, you read that right. While showering regularly is still generally advisable, it's not always necessary to shower every single day to maintain good hygiene. When you do bathe, opt for a shower over a bath—quick showers use less water than filling an entire bathtub.
  
• Eat more plants. Veganism and vegetarianism are growing in popularity, and many peoples' decisions are fueled by the fact that plant-based diets are more environmentally friendly because they require fewer resources. If you're not ready to give up meat entirely, that's okay. Start small by cutting meat out of your diet by one meal or one day a week. Bonus: you'll have a chance to learn some cool new recipes (eggplant parmesan, anyone?).
  
• Upgrade from plastic. If you've been looking for an excuse to treat yourself, here it is! Look around at the single-use plastic items that make up your daily routine, and see which ones can be replaced by sustainable, reusable options. You might swap out your disposable razor for a nice, durable metal safety razor. Or ditch your plastic water bottle habit in favor of an insulated metal bottle that will keep your drinks cool. If you're a person who menstruates, you might replace tampons with a menstrual cup or period-proof underwear. Bonus: while some of these items may cost more upfront, they're likely to save you money in the long run!

With droughts leading to increased wildfire activity in the Western U.S., it’s never been more important to ensure you have safe drinking water, especially as arsenic levels rise. At Aqua Clara, we provide access to clean water by designing, developing, and disseminating clean water technologies to benefit those who live on less than $2 per day. 

We also aim to reduce the number of people who purchase bottled water by offering our Universal Cartridge Filter, which reduces many different contaminants and is now available at Wal-Mart. Our Universal Cartridge Filter fits most household filter products, includes a rubber seal to protect against contamination, and will purify your home's drinking water at a reasonable price. The proceeds from these filters help fund our projects all over the world, so consider helping us make a difference by purchasing a filter today!

About Aqua Clara International

Scientists long ago discovered how to purify unsafe water. To us, the central issue has been in designing solutions that are both sustainable and scalable and that can reach the millions in need while at the same time continuing to function without sustained outside input. Our target populations are those individuals and families who live on $2 per day or less.

We are a technology transfer organization. Our niche in clean water continues to be in designing science-based technologies that utilize locally available materials where possible and then transferring what we learn to those working in areas of need. The cost of our technologies varies by country and is dependent on the prevailing costs of raw materials, such as plastic containers, PVC piping, sand, etc. Learn more by visiting our website.