Water Usage

After calculating my water usage using https://www.swfwmd.state.fl.us/conservation/thepowerof10/ I found that I use 101 gallons of water per day. This obviously averages to more than 700 gallons per week and only gets exponentially larger while the time frame increases. While it is easy to brush that number off and justify it, I don't think many people realize how much water 101 gallons is. When I think of that number, I think of 101 gallons of bottled water scattered around my apartment. I also consider that it costs about a dollar per container which would add up quickly. This month my roommates and myself split a $60 water bill.

Fortunately, the cost of water through the tap in our area is relatively inexpensive. While it may not be an issue for us, it will be in the future for the next generation and for people that don't live as close to accessible, drinkable water. I've heard that water will be the next resource that is extremely valuable- like today's oil industry. I believe that desalination will become more popular in the coming years in order to utilize more of the ocean's/world's water.

We are able to reduce water consumption by taking shorter showers, fill the washing machines as much as possible to maximize space, and making sure the dishwasher is full when we run it. We are minimalists in my apartment but after knowing how many gallons we use per day, I'm committed to use less and less.

Urban Environments

Last week we took a trip to Downtown Fort Myers to analyze an urban environment in Southwest Florida. We split into groups and walked around town, recognizing the extensive use of complete streets and mixed use buildings. This trip was eye opening because the only times I've been downtown were in the evening to experience the nightlife in Fort Myers. Although I consider myself a relatively observant person, there were so many elements of the city that I've always failed to recognize.

We started out at the water reservoir that filters water in a retention pond type of structure that ten flows out to the bay. It was enlightening to see that these fountains and pool of water serve more of a function than a parking lot that used to fill that space.

We then walked over to the county library that was newly LEED certified. This building was so modern and was riddled with environmentally friendly elements. It was also a great spot to sit down, relax, and avoid the nasty weather that seemed to follow us for the entirety of the day.

 A tribute to the US colored troops that fought in the Civil War

A picture of the reservoir before and after

A picture made from small, black and white tiles