Global Water Shortage Issue

The world is facing a severe water shortage. According to statistics from the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, each person uses nearly 300 liters of water per day. Water shortages cause various problems, such as regions where clean water cannot be secured and conflicts arising from water scarcity.

The water essential for our survival is predicted to become increasingly scarce in the future due to global warming, population growth, and economic development.

The total world population is 7.875 billion. Currently, over 40% of that, or 3.6 billion people, suffer from water shortages, and this number is expected to rise. If this situation continues, by 2050, when the world population is estimated to reach approximately 9.7 billion, about half will be exposed to water shortages, and one in four people is predicted to be affected by chronic water scarcity.

Water Usage in the Office

Water is used in various ways in the office. It is said that flushing toilets accounts for 60-70% of office water bills. Therefore, water conservation is meaningful not only for its environmental benefits but also for cost reduction.

Environmentally Friendly Water Actions

When conserving water, the key is to be mindful of "not using water that doesn't need to be used."

You can save water by distinguishing between "flush" and "half-flush" when using the toilet lever. Generally, a full flush uses 6 liters of water, while a half-flush uses 5 liters. When a full flush is not necessary, try to use a half-flush. Although it's only a difference of 1 liter, if done once a day, you can save 365 liters of water in a year.

Are you leaving the water running at the sink?

Leaving the water running while washing your hands, gargling, or brushing your teeth after lunch wastes water. If you leave it running for one minute, 12 liters of water are used. Water-saving actions also lead to energy conservation. Be mindful to turn off the water when not in use.

Using water (public water and sewage systems) consumes energy for purification, supply, and wastewater treatment, and it generates CO2 emissions.

The CO2 emissions per cubic meter of tap water in Tokyo are 245g. (1m³ = 1000L)

For clean water usage, make sure to drink all your beverages.

A large amount of water is required to treat the organic matter contained in leftover beverages like juice or beer to a concentration where fish can live before discharging it into rivers. The amount of water used to treat a single sip of orange juice remaining at the bottom of a glass is equivalent to about 200 1.5-liter PET bottles.

Try to drink all your beverages or pour smaller amounts into your glass from the start to avoid leaving any leftovers.