A letter, the third in a four-part series…

My Kin, I often think about your quality of life and health as I live my own with joy. What we do now will affect you, and I’m trying to be aware and choose my actions with this knowledge. I often think about water consumption and how we abuse it–I sure hope there’s enough left for you. Our fossil fuels use heaps of water, not to mention our sports including golf, skiing, field play, and more. We use so much in our homes, on our grass lawns, and to grow our food. I think of you daily when minimizing my showers and wearing clothes more than once before washing. But I know we could all do better. 

My Kin, our generation likes stuff. We buy many goods: clothing, furniture, and sporting goods, all of which require water to make. Do you know that a pair of jeans can use over 1,000 gallons of water to manufacture? Fortunately, thrift and consignment stores are becoming popular so our consumptive society can purchase used goods. We just need to buy less, use less, live simply… for you. 

My Kin, I know our agriculture systems could be more efficient–by improving soil, water methods, rotating crops, and more–but our government needs to better support these progressive methods. Our society eats an abundance of meat, which requires vast amounts of water to grow food for livestock. The good news is that more restaurants are offering vegetarian and vegan options, and I know people are trying to eat healthier. Buying local foods and growing our own is also helpful, but what we can grow in Utah is limited. 

My Kin, our planet is warming up, resulting in less snow and more fires. Water is getting trickier to clean, too, with all our medicines and chemicals. I try to buy natural products and organic produce, but our society seems to have so many demanding diseases and conditions, and organics can be expensive. 

My Kin, I think often about what I have now–clean water and air, trees, wild animals, land, and food–and I can only hope you’re experiencing the same. Please know we are all trying… 

By Mary Closser