Saving Resources: Water

The collective impact of simple everyday eating habits has a significant impact on the planet. Over half the water in the United States is used for meat production.



Gallons of water used per pound produced:
Beef - 2,500
Wheat - 25

Gallons of water used for dairy:
producing 1 liter of milk requires 990 liters of water

The media continues to remind us of the importance of conserving water. Consider this; if someone were to take a 7 minute shower per day with a flow of 2 gallons per minute through their shower head, that person would use about 5,200 gallons of water per year showering. This means, eating a vegan diet instead of the 'average' diet for only one week saves more water than a year without showering.

Installing low-flow shower heads and otherwise conserving is important. We must do all we can. Yet why is the media pushing tips to save 10 gallons a week when there is a way to save thousands of gallons? The real problem is knowledge distribution. Now that we know the truth, spreading this critical information is in our hands. Nobody I've met has become vegan to save water, we do it to save animals. Sustainability can help lead someone in the right direction. Once enough people shift to even limiting meat and dairy consumption then supply and demand will equalize and the impact will be substantial.

To all the vegans and future vegans, thank you for making a difference!