Questions We Can Help to Answer
Instructions:
In this assignment you will reflect on your own water consumption, critically evaluate your choices and their impacts on the planet, and propose changes that reduce your water footprint.
1. Calculate the average quantity (gallons/day) used in your home, in your diet, your energy consumption, and apparel, electronics, and paper. Attached is my water footprint results with the answers to my questions. To see the water footprint calculator in the following URL: http://www.watercalculator.org
2. Each writing assignment must contain the following headings: Introduction, Synopsis, Discussion, Conclusion and Literature Cited. The writing assignment must contain between 600 and 1000 words, excluding headings, title, and the literature cited section. If you have doubts, please check the guidelines for formatting writing assignments that are attached at the end of this prompt.
3. In the introduction section, identify the purpose underlying this assignment and in a couple of sentences describe the framework for the rest of your assignment.
4. In the synopsis section, please explain the following:
a) What is your average water consumption?
b) What was included in your calculation?
c) How does it compare to the national average?
5. In the discussion section, expand your thoughts on your results from the water calculator. Consider questions such as:
a) Were you surprised by your results? Why or why not?
b) Through what means (direct or virtual water) do you consume the most water?
c) What would you be willing to do to reduce the amount of water you personally use?
6. Formulate a conclusion that summarizes the key ideas from this essay and your takeaway message.
7. You must include at least two citations that support your arguments in a Literature Cited section at the end of your essay. Use the Ecological Society of America Citation style (see additional document for guidelines and examples). Be aware that only including the URLs of sites you consult on the Web is not an appropriate form of citing others’ people work. You must include the author(s), year of publication, title of the text, name of the website, date you accessed the site, and the URL.
