RESOLUTION ON WATER CONSERVATION

WHEREAS, we are called by God to be faithful Stewards of God's creation, to be held accountable for the care of our Earth; and

WHEREAS, the environment is not for human pride and exploitation, but is our responsibility to steward the Earth as we steward all of God's gifts; and

WHEREAS, for ever 26 gallons of water on the Earth, 0.5 teaspoon is usable fresh water1, and attempts at water conservation have, in the past, basically addressed short-term solutions; and

WHEREAS, the attainable, usable resources of water are presently being consumed at a rate faster than they are naturally replenished, and total water consumption for indoor and outdoor hoe usage equals about 150 gallons per person per day², and 20 to 30 percent of water from public supplies is wasted in household leaks in pipes, mains, toilets, bathtubs and faucets; and

WHEREAS, the use of vegetation native to the immediate local environment uses a water supply more comparable to that which the environment provides; and

WHEREAS, we believe that water conservation is the best present solution to water shortage, that individual efforts are very plausible, adaptable and effective methods of water conservation,

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that water be conserved at LSM-USA gatherings -national, regional and local -- and our Christian Stewardship be reflected by our personal and communal usage of water; and

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that all members of ,LSM-USA make a personal

covenant to self-monitor and decrease one's excessive use of water by:

1. developing personal habits such as eliminating continuous flow of water while cleaning oneself and household items; and

2. initiating and supporting personal and community efforts such as using native vegetation in landscaping (xeriscaping) around private and public properties; and

3. encouraging and supporting a national water conservation effort.

NOTES:

1. Miller, G. Tyler. Environmental Science: An Introduction. 2nd

edition, Wadworth: Belmont, Calif. 1988.

2. Nadakavukaren, Anne. Man and Environment: A Health Perspective.

2nd edition, Waveland Press. 1984.

3. Miller. 1988.

Authors: Heather Campbell, Colorado State University Rachel Miller, Colorado State University Jodee Kuske, University of Arizona Pat Tefft, Arizona State University

Sponsored by: Rocky Mountain Region