New campaign combats water wastage
‘Water. Use it. Don’t waste it.’ That’s the message of a new Defra campaign, launched today, which aims to get us all to stop and think about how we’re using this precious resource.
Did you know that the average person in the UK uses about 150 litres of water per day? With a growing population and water usage still rising, it’s more important than ever that we work together to cut carbon emissions, save money and protect the environment.
The campaign, which is part of the wider ‘Act on CO2’ initiative, aims to help people save 20 litres a day by following a few simple measures. It’s fronted by wildlife and science TV presenter Kate Humble.
Kate said: ‘Saving water at home doesn’t need to be a big sacrifice - just spending one minute less in the shower can make a big difference. Simple changes can really add up to a better environment - meaning more water for the wildlife and countryside around us as well as saving on carbon emissions generated in the treatment and transportation of water to our taps.’
Other water-saving measures include using a watering can or a bucket in the garden rather than a hosepipe, and cutting your shower time by a minute each day.
Environment minister Huw Irranca-Davies added: ‘We are already taking too much water from some of our rivers and groundwater to meet demand but we can’t maintain this without seriously harming our environment, especially as our climate becomes warmer and drier in places. If we don’t act now we could lose some of our precious biodiversity forever.’
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Page last modified: 23 September 2009
Page published: 16 July 2009