Find Areas Where You Believe You Could Change One Of ✓ Solved

Find areas where you believe that you could change one of

Find areas where you believe that you could change one of your habits and have an impact on an Environmental Science related issue. For each area of impact you should have several slides. 1) Introduce the change: Example: Shower less often with slightly cooler water. 2) Explain the connection to Environmental Science: Example: Explain all the ways this is connected to Environmental Science, such as why water is a scarce resource and energy to warm cool water for a hot shower. 3) Layout and expand on the Impact Connections: Example: Provide details or data on how the above are impacting the environment. Each year, XX gallons are wasted because of etc. Make sure to discuss all impacts, including energy to heat the water. 4) Discuss the possible effects that might result because of your change: Example: What does your change mean to the environment? By reducing my shower time by XX it would blah blah blah. 5) Describe what you could do to inspire others to make the same change: Example: I would come up with a campaign to have everyone make the change blah blah blah. This would increase the effect by blah blah blah.

Paper For Above Instructions

Introduction to Habit Change

One of the most impactful habits that individuals can change to contribute positively to environmental issues is their daily water consumption, specifically through reduced shower durations. Showers are a routine part of daily hygiene for many people, but the typical shower consumes a substantial amount of water. In fact, a 10-minute shower can use approximately 25 gallons of water (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2021). By committing to reduce shower times by a few minutes and slightly cooling the water, individuals can conserve a significant amount of water and energy, thus having a positive impact on environmental sustainability.

Connection to Environmental Science

The connection between water consumption during showers and environmental science is multifaceted. Firstly, water is a finite resource, and over-extraction can lead to depletion of water tables and natural water sources (Postel, 2018). According to the United Nations, approximately 2 billion people live in water-stressed areas, which emphasizes the need for responsible water use (United Nations, 2020). Secondly, heating water for showers consumes energy, which is often derived from fossil fuels, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. The Energy Information Administration (2022) states that water heating accounts for about 18% of residential energy consumption in the United States. Therefore, a reduction in shower duration and temperature not only conserves water but also reduces the energy required to heat that water, decreasing overall energy consumption and emissions.

Impact Connections

Reducing shower time and temperature has several significant impacts on environmental sustainability. According to a study by the Water Research Foundation (2017), if 100 households reduced their shower times by just 2 minutes, approximately 12,000 gallons of water could be saved annually. This is particularly relevant in regions prone to drought, where conserving water can have immediate and long-term benefits for local ecosystems. Additionally, reducing the temperature of the water can significantly lower the amount of energy required to heat it. The correlation between the temperature of water and energy consumption has been well documented; for every degree Fahrenheit the water temperature is reduced, significant energy savings can be achieved (National Renewable Energy Laboratory, 2019). Reducing water usage not only helps preserve this crucial resource but also contributes to energy conservation and lower utility bills for households.

Possible Effects of Habit Change

If individuals reduce their shower times by even three minutes, the cumulative effect can be substantial. For instance, if 1,000 individuals reduced their shower by three minutes, approximately 180,000 gallons of water could be conserved annually. This reduction could alleviate stress on local water supplies, contributing to more sustainable water management practices (American Water Works Association, 2021). From an energy perspective, the environmental impact is equally significant; by reducing energy consumption associated with water heating, households can lower their carbon footprint, thereby contributing to efforts against climate change. Furthermore, smaller energy consumption translates into less demand for fossil fuels, indirectly resulting in less pollution and habitat destruction associated with resource extraction (International Energy Agency, 2020).

Inspiring Others to Change

To inspire others to adopt similar habits, I propose launching a community initiative called "Shower Smart Challenge." This campaign could utilize social media platforms and local workshops to educate participants about the environmental benefits of shorter, cooler showers. By sharing personal progress and encouraging others to take part, we can create a sense of community and shared responsibility. Additionally, providing incentives such as recognition for participants who show significant water and energy savings can motivate wider participation. Research has shown that community-based initiatives yield greater behavioral changes, as they foster a supportive environment (Holland et al., 2019). By collaborating with local environmental organizations and schools, we can maximize outreach and impact, encouraging a broader shift towards increased environmental consciousness through minimal daily adjustments.

Conclusion

In conclusion, changing shower habits can serve as an impactful strategy for individuals striving to address environmental challenges. By reducing water consumption and energy usage, people can contribute significantly to water conservation and lower energy expenditures while inspiring collective action within their communities. Small, consistent changes can lead to profound environmental rewards, demonstrating the power of individual habits in the larger context of sustainability.

References

  • U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. (2021). Water sense. Retrieved from https://www.epa.gov/watersense
  • Postel, S. (2018). Water for food security: A global assessment. The United Nations University.
  • United Nations. (2020). Sustainable development goals. Retrieved from https://sdgs.un.org/goals
  • Energy Information Administration. (2022). Residential energy consumption survey. U.S. Department of Energy.
  • Water Research Foundation. (2017). The impact of showerheads on water supply and demand. Retrieved from https://www.waterrf.org
  • National Renewable Energy Laboratory. (2019). Reducing energy use in water heating. Retrieved from https://www.nrel.gov
  • American Water Works Association. (2021). Water conservation: An essential component of sustainable water management. Retrieved from https://www.awwa.org
  • International Energy Agency. (2020). Energy and climate change. Retrieved from https://www.iea.org/topics/energy-and-climate-change
  • Holland, A., & et al. (2019). Community-based social marketing: The importance of social norms. Environment and Behavior, 51(4), 404-430.
  • National Geographic Society. (2021). Freshwater water scarcity. Retrieved from https://www.nationalgeographic.org/encyclopedia/freshwater-water-scarcity

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