Episode 24 - Water Stewardship

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Episode Highlights:

• [3:22] The Birthday Game - Rob Lowe, James Taylor and Mitt Romney.
  
  
• [5:20] President Trumps Budget - The Office of Management and Budget Released a budget blueprint this week. 
  
  
  • The parts of the budget we focus on dealing with water (EPA, USDA and Interior) are all facing proposed cuts. 
    
    
  • Budget proposes to cut many domestic programs, including Energy Star. WaterSense is also at risk because of how it is funded through the EPA Administrator's budget - Trump's recommendation includes a 30% cut to EPA. 
    
    
  • Budget proposal does include full funding for the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) program.
    
    
• [14:25] World Bank's Water Week - John attended this event and sat on multiple panels.
  
  
  • At the event, buttons were given out that said: "Eat Smarter, Save Water." What does this mean?
    
    
    • At a grocery store, we typically do not think about how much water it takes to grow the food we are purchasing.
      
      
    • Many in the general public are purchasing foods they think are better for the environment (i.e. organic and non-gmo).
      
      
    • Can "eat smarter, save water" also mean that we do not waste food as a consumer?
• [24:14] Agricultural Stewardship - Can you be a steward of agricultural water use and still be a steward of the environment? 
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  • Need everyone at the table talking about solutions. 
    
    
• [29:00] Water Stewardship in your home - the most basic tip is to turn off the water while brushing your teeth. Start small.
  
  
  • Take shorter showers. Also, low-flow shower heads work even if you take a longer shower while using them. 
    
    
  • Elizabeth will be investing in a quality dishwasher to conserve water.
    
    
• [33:45] Tip of the Week - "We can't direct the wind, but we can set our sail." - Thomas S. Monson