How Many Litres of Water Does It Take to Make a Quarter Pounder?
Here’s a rough idea of what things cost in real terms …
20,000 litres of water - 1 kilo of Coffee
11,000 litres of water - 1 Quarter-Pounder Hamburger (without cheese)…
7000 litres of water - 1 Cotton T-shirt
5,000 litres of water – 1 Kilo Cheese
5,000 litres of water – 1 Kilo Rice
3,000 litres of water – 1 Kilo Sugar
2,000 litres of water – 1 Litre Milk
1,000 litres of water – 1 Kilo of Wheat
So, if you think that your shopping trolley is getting a bit ‘dry and bulky’ at this point, you may consider leaving that 1kg bag of sugar on the shelf, in fact next time you lift a kilo jar of coffee off the shelf, remember that it took 20,000 litres of water for it to be there!
Back on topic, economists (who don’t care about anything but coffee and money) call the water tied up in the growing and manufacture of products (internationally), as “virtual water.” The trade in virtual water is estimated at around a thousand cubic kilometres a year – or (for you to imagine) about 20 river Niles PER YEAR!
About one tenth of all that water which is used to raise crops, goes into the international virtual water trades… employing water engineers to move huge volumes of water across the globe beyond your imagination …
In most places around the globe, irrigating crops involves building dams and emptying rivers into irrigation canals. Whilst this is not good for rivers and for ecosystems, at least the rivers refill when it rains.
But now, with the advent of massive population growth and global warming, tremendous greed and over consumption … less rain is falling and one by one, the rivers and the lakes of the world, are drying up. Millions of primary producers from China to Argentina, and from Australia to the US, are being forced into dependency on ‘fossil’ water, which is extracted (unsustainably) from deep underground reserves, using oil driven pumps. Unsustainable, because there is not enough natural rainfall to replenish this underground supply.
In fact, countries like India, China, Iran, Indonesia and Pakistan are all at the heart of what agronomists and environmentalists like Lester Brown, president of the Earth Policy Institute in Washington DC, calls the “food bubble.”
So what can be done to stop the clock from ticking towards the spectre of mass starvation?
Well, in the backwoods of Gujurat, India, a retired policeman, Haradevsinh Hadeja, redesigned his entire village’s drainage system. He set out to slow the passage of the monsoon rain, long enough for it to collect in specially dug ponds. Apparently, the water passes from one pond to the next, in a slow cascade. The villagers don’t use the water directly from the ponds, but allow it to percolate into the soil to refill underground reserves and replenish their wells.
The result has been that ‘Rainwater Harvesting’ has caught on like wild fire and around 20,000 villages throughout India are now harvesting their rains and beginning to prosper as a result.
Western-style Rain Harvesting
Although Mr Hadeja implemented his system completely autonomously and independent of the Indian Government, perhaps some of those millions of Australian election campaign dollars, would be better spent looking at similar alternatives for our farmers, especially those still dependant on the dwindling Murray Darling river system?
Dream on…one could argue that it needs someone to show initiative, but hey, No way, Hadeja would have probably gone to jail here in Australia, if he redesigned a single pipe. Right?
…you’ve got to be kidding me …
What do you think?
Sources :. www.auick.org, florabase.calm.wa.gov.au, www.theglobeandmail.com, www.hinduonnet.com, environment.com
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Well now, never eat them although that's a yummy picture, don't drink coffee, keep the same T shirts for ye..eee...arsss.
Don't drink bottled water, did you mention that, it's a BIG one.
Love the yellow brolly, what an optomist you have there, I'm surprised how many countries don't have a water shortage problem.
Unmeasured, the Arctic, and all those beautiful bears, bit suspect.
Now, Australia, no room for complacency there.
Economists...raspberries
India, doing well,
That's my house you've featured, I really didn't want people to know how frugally I live while waiting to move into my great mansion that is being built. Oh, well, I'm sure you meant well.
May the rains come, and may the tanks swell and my there be peace and plenty fall upon the world.
The Gods have spoken.
Thanks darlin' for all your endeavours, let's lazy people like me off the hook.
katyzzz
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Enviro Warrior
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Glad to hear you're keeping your end up...
Lilla ...
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Glad you found it informative ... glad you're like me and like to be aware of these things, because the mainstream TV doesn't make a habit of featuring much truth, and if they do, it seems so removed from reality when it's on the box, doesn't it...
"...Aaw, it can't affect me... that's somehwere else, surely?"
Lilla ...
I now feel very edumacated to make the appropriate choices.
Cheers
CC
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
...comments like yours make it all worth while...only awareness will save water.
I loved the word 'e-dum-acated' *chuckle* good one.
Lilla ...
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
I just cringe at stats like this! I`m giving a little ramble here but I heard from a friend who is in Zimbabwe.... apparently this is their water situation at the moment... (I`m wondering why the red stops at the borders of Zimbabwe on that map?)
3 days a week = midnight -7am
sun = 7am-12pm
2 days a week = no water whatsoever!
Here, in a first world country, that is disgusting... and, in some parts of the world we could consider ourselves lucky!
Lake Baroon is 100% full..... we have just had AMAZING rains that have flooded the surrounding areas.... where has that water gone? Why is Brisbane still crying out for water? Come on people let`s use a litte initiative in our drainage systems here!?!?!?!?!
As Africans we have a motto.... make a plan! If something goes wrong here everyone compains.... and then does nothing. Maybe if people, like Mr Hadeja made a plan they would soon get sick of throwing people in jail.... AND ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING!
Our rainwater tank was the best investment we ever made - in ourselves and our environment. It mean we could actually flush the chain and have proper baths instead of having to share because there was no water. Sounds gross but unfortunatley was a very real fact of life. And the amount of boreholes that were sunk.... and then dried up? Shocking! Because there was no education - people just thought oooohhh new source of everlasting water, let`s just tap in! quite literally!
Makes you wonder what else our precious droplets are being used up on. As Ben Lee sings... We're all in this together... governments around the world need to start realising that what happens on the other side of the world will eventually affect their own country... but as usual they will sit back and not do anything, waiting.... waiting.... waiting.... and then wonder why they missed the warning signs....
Off my soapbox now, breathing deeply and thinking good thoughts.
Excellent post Lilla. Shocking, shocking stats and just another part of our world that we need to shed some light on and do something about!
Distant hugs... I`m all het up now so I may strangle anyone who comes in close proximity
Ash
Enviro Warrior
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You raise so many valid points yourself in your comment. I think the map is an older one from a few years ago, which just shows the exponential way in which this problem escalates.
Oh..um.. I could say a lot about initiative and the lack of it in an autocratic democracy that is oligarchy based, but you are so right. A series of Hadeja’s ponds would work wonders and could slowly feed down from the hinterland (all along the east coast of Australia)… to the lower lying, main concentration of populationarea which needs it. It just seems so obvious, but not implemented, because...???
I have some hopes in Rudd being a bit of what we'll term, 'a radical moderninst' ... but may actually implement some sensible 'fixes' to our own growing problem with water here in Australia? Only time will tell ... but I'm always miffed by state and federal governments playing against each other when a serious problem is hanging over our heads like the proverbial sword?
W.A. has sorted much of it’s problem with bore water, although there is little research to say wether that is running dry, or fed by a complimentary coastline which filters the sea water through the sand, meaning an endless supply?
*taking out soap box*
The first time I noticed that the beef 'on special this week,' was from Ethiopia, I nearly passed out, trying to picture how the government manages to stop the justified theft that must go on there amongst its own rampant poverty and starving nationals. My mind veritably boggled for weeks… still does. Furthermore, all those cattle trampling what little forest and natural cover the locals had left to do anything with and consuming all the natural rivers. It is beyond fathoming …. but that's exactly what fuels this Underground Water Anarchy. Who could blame anyone for a state of anarchy, when your family is dying for lack of basic resources, while the goverment get's 'so fat of the lamb?'
I’m sorry to have het you up Ash, but I feel so strongly about people’s ignorance and greed … at least if I am taking too much, it becomes a matter of conscious awareness that I must reconcile with my maker … I am incredulous at those who just don’t get that… and I agree with you say about tank water too, every person who owns a home, is negligent if they don’t spend the money on one.
Renters are not immune from collecting water in bins either, I used to have about six lined up on the balcony (and outside the side of the building), when I had to live in a flat. And people used to steal it even then *chuckle* I didn't care, because I knew it was water saved from the dams .... To me it smacks of people not wanting to take responsibility for themselves, expecting it all on a silver plate. The problem is, we are fast coming to the point where every drop matters and Britney Spears will not.
I hope you write to Peter Garrett about your pet concerns Ash, because pre-election is the time to have your voice heard and things put on the election agendas... at least that means that SOME of those election dollars are being spent wisely.
I always remember Mother Theresa's words here:
We cannot do great things,
Only small things done with great love...
Calming hugs...
Lilla …
Love Speaks
p/s...amazingly shocking stats and a great post
Australian Traveller
Flashes of memories
it`s just easier to pump money into things like the Mary Dam... stupid things that make one look as though they are actually doing something!
Just about what you were saying with catching water on your flat balcony - I am currently researching indoor/container gardening... I was amazed by how much you can grow yourself in this manner and you don`t have to have a backyard to actually do it.
Jamie Durie has a great range of organic seeds available in stores at the moment and all the info you need is online or at the local library. It doesn`t waste water and a family can actually see where their food is coming from so can rest easy when they put it in their mouth. I already have some bottles of vege sraps breaking down for some good, healthy plant food! Just a bit of a quandry about the containers to use as most seem to use plastic ... don`t want those nasty chemicals leeching into the soil! Got me containers outside today as it looks set to shower a bit....
if writing to Mr G about such things helps I`ll do my bit there for sure. Being born and raised in a corrupt country means we don`t really do this!
ciao bella, mucho grande embraces
Ash
Only small things done with great love...
beautiful words from a beautiful soul!
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
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The stats are surprising ... thanks for the compliment.
hugs
Lilla …
Enviro Warrior
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It sounds fabulous!
Your description reminds me of a friend of mine in Canberra, who grows most of his vegetables on a community balcony in a block of flats. He has this whole worm-farm thing going out there and produces some of the nicest tomatoes I’ve ever seen. He recycles just about every drop of cold teas and rinsing water, out to his little ‘garden.’
Because it’s sheltered and the sun condenses in the concrete, he has the bonus of being able to grow in the really cold winters down there, too. The funniest thing is that nobody pinches his ‘crops’ either?
I grow most of our salad vegetables myself… and herbs, lots and lots of herbs… I love cooking with them. I’m resting the garden now for a few months, but will start to plant soon as the weather warms… we actually had frost here this year and it killed of a few of my paw paw plants… but I’m pleased to say that many have come back. The grape vine too, is looking happy to see us again. Yum, so pleased, as it produces the loveliest grapes you ever tasted. It runs all over and above the alfresco courtyard thingy and in summer you just have to reach up to grab a bunch, after a meal.
Take today, wonderful and warm… there’s more rain on the way though, so I’m not getting too cosy out there…*chuckle* going to trim the front hedges now, as the spring flush is on.
Never a dull moment for this buzy bee...(maybe that should read, dizzy-bee)... going to see another doctor tomorrow. Still no prognosis... I'm sure it's formaldehyde poisoning!
buzy hugs
Lilla …
PS the thing I find about writing letters to our MP's is twofold. (1) it makes me feel really good to vent it - get it off my chest - in the right direction.. and (2) it may actually serve to remind them, that they are 'emplyees,' with a duty to serve the greater community. So, write away ....
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Hipnotherapy
Thanks to this informative post, i have ridden the information highway to find out more. I had no idea and I am a sugar offender :0(
Mis
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
...at least it is the lesser of two evils... *chuckle*
/seriously/ we shouldn't have to give them all up, but at least be aware of the debilitating affects each imposes on our natural resources, then it's a matter of conscience and self discipline to monitor our input, I guess?
I know it makes me feel GREAT to have had a day where I feel I have made a difference simply by my good choices... I am also aware that not everyone thinks like me... still, truth is truth, a fact a fact and like an alcoholic, perhaps half the battle is 'seeing' each addiction for what it is, simply an addiction... which usually means something that is otherwise unobserved and running riot with the natural balance of things...
Humans have such addictive natures, but addiction to love is a cheaper alternative here, although it does require a few glasses of water ...*giggle*
sugary hugs
Lilla ...
Killer Beats
Ramble On
Hipnotherapy
Humans have such addictive natures, but addiction to love is a cheaper alternative here, although it does require a few glasses of water ...*giggle*
hahahaha
You aren't kidding sister!
Mis
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
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I can see why you must remain so...
Fun Facts
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
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I was gobsmaked when I first read the statistics... I mean it's just not something you think could use that much - on the surface - but in reality, salad is hydraulic cheaper than anything, and better for you too.
So much that we just don't see because we are not shown. ... it is nice to see you again though...
Lilla ...
Mum's Word
And I find the Quarter Pounder has its own unknown element that once you've finished one, you wonder why the hell you thought is was a good idea in the first place.
Love & stuff
Mrs M
Enviro Warrior
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...*chuckle* so why bother in the first place, right?
..and what really gets my goat is that both of these things are renowned for dehydrating the poor sod addicted to ingesting them regularly, anyway ...eventually needing more water, which people just don't drink enough of ... eventually killing them off completely, slowly, painfully...*Hanging head a bit*
Just for arguments sake, I find that if I am stuck on the road and cannot get anything else and have to visit Macca's (God help me, it has happened)... but if I need more than an $8 salad, I get the burger and throw the bread away for the birds. Somehow the meat, salad and egg is easier to digest on its own ... but you'll still need that Tea though, because a cold drink just makes it all set in your stomach like a led bouy.
I think sugar is pretty low on the water table, perhaps you could cut it down by half a spoon, to ease the conscience enough to still enjoy it? However, in your defence ~ a few spoons of sugar is better than two or three cakes each time you take tea without sugar, isn't it?
Bon Apetitie,
Lilla ...