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July 2025: water is life
Each month, we break down our topic into four weekly modules. Catch up on previous editions here.
This week's module: ACT
Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Here's what we'll learn today Reader
A really fun tidbit: after my spite rant last week about a funder that rejected me because of my camera background, Changeletter readers contributed over $200 so the haters don't get us down.
THANK YOUUUU to Jillian, Ruhi, Brandon, and an anonymous fairy godreader for making this possible! My spirits are lifted both for myself but also to see how we really don't need to rely on Big Money when we can have a dedicated group of grassroots contributors building a better world.
There was something comforting to know that if all our 8,000 readers chipped in $100 this year, we'd surpass our fundraising stretch goal by 2x!
Now, back to water.
Over the past two weeks, we've been getting into what it means to be conscious of our water systems, and today, I have some high-impact tips for ACTION!
We can't do this without you Reader
A wee lil note: if you enjoy getting these Changeletters and you would like to make a gift of reciprocity, a $9 contribution would go such a long way. Especially if you make it monthly! 100% of this work is me sitting behind my keyboard stressing about if anyone cares about this stuff, so encouragement and financial support is so greatly appreciated!
Thank you Jillian, Ruhi, Brandon, and J for supporting this week! <333
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Your bite-sized action plan Reader
✅ ACT through these steps to be a water protector
Today, we've got habit changes, one-time actions, policy levers, and thoughts n prayers. There's something for everyone!
- Go plant-forward. At the VERY LEAST, go cow-backwards.
Although finding your own path to climate action is a choose-your-own-adventure jigsaw, there are some things we know for sure. One thing? Today's agriculture system is a WATER GUZZLER. Out of all our water, only 3% is freshwater... and 70% of the world's freshwater is used for agriculture. Cow-based foods like beef, cheese, and dairy are the worst offenders, along with nuts and farmed fish/prawns. Plant-based diets (and advocacy!) are key to a livable planet and progress >>>>>>> perfection here. Do what you can when you can, and don't forget to share your feelings with friends! (Source: Our World in Data)
- Abolish your lawn and plant native plants instead! In our water scarcity action pack from a few months ago, we talked about abolishing your lawn. Do whatever you can to restore local ecosystems; everything is connected to the way water is used and managed. Especially as climate change gets worse and stormwater management becomes more challenging, we need to focus on nature-based solutions. That can start with YOU!
- Advocate for funding for nature-based stormwater solutions. The great news about water resilience is that much of it is in the hands of your municipal government, which means you can easily reach them. Flooding/stormwater issues aren't just challenges in coastal cities. If you haven't already, search "stormwater + [your municipality]" to see what's going on, and then contact your local reps.
✨ You can say something like: I’m deeply concerned about the impact our built landscapes and stormwater pollution have on our ecosystems. We need better regional and nature-based solutions like stormwater parks that address the lifecycle/maintenance challenges of stormwater infrastructure. This is critical for more resilient and vibrant habitats for all!
- Go actually see where your water comes from. The more connected we are to our natural resources, the more likely we are to protect it. It hits different seeing your water source looking sad and dried up, right? Make a field trip!
- Just think about it. Just! Think! About it! Water is life. Water is so important to the functioning of our world, that even the robots need it. Like sure, if you want to feed your pet AI some water so it can keep existing, that's great for you. But what if it's AT THE COST OF THE REST OF THE WORLD? Use your daily habits (turning on the tap, filling up your water bottle, typing silly little questions into Chat GPT) to reflect on what the tradeoffs are. And no, I'm not saying you should stop taking showers or throw your computer away. (Well, maybe I am. Who knows?) But we have the responsibility to think about our most critical resource unless we want to die dead and extinct ourselves. Thoughts & prayers could work here... especially because they'll lead to changes. (Source: MIT)
✨ My own example: These days, if I'm out in the world and feeling thirsty because I forgot my water bottle at home, I will do my best to just... stay thirsty. Because I won't die. I'll be just fine. And I'm not buying a single-use plastic bottle that will then send its microplastics into my body, the sea, all of it. Lean into the discomfort; it helps you think.
Below, I've included an infographic from the World Economic Forum on global water distribution. Maybe it can be your new home decor!
See you next week for our REFLECT module.
Love,
Nivi
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