Now that we've all figured out our carbon footprints, it's time for a new guilt-inducing eco-buzz question: What's your "water footprint"?
Your water footprint is "the sum of direct and indirect freshwater use by the consumer."
I just figured out my water footprint using this water calculator. According to that site, I directly or indirectly use 1,061.27 gallons per day, which is just slightly less than the national average.
The site suggests I switch to low-flow faucets and shower heads. But the biggest chunk of my water use seems to come from the fact that I consume meat and dairy products.
I'm all for reducing my impact on the planet, but there must be a better way than giving up bacon.
(Hat tip to the NYT Ideas blog.)
Zach Patton -- Executive Editor. Zach has written about a range of topics, including social policy issues and urban planning and design. Originally from Tennessee, he joined GOVERNING as a staff writer in 2004. He received the 2011 Jesse H. Neal Award for Outstanding Journalism
E-mail: zpatton@governing.com 
Written and compiled by staff writers and editors, GOVERNING View is an on-the-ground, and sometimes behind-the-scenes, look at the topics we're covering in print and online. From notes on what's up in statehouses, county courthouses and city halls, to encounters with people, places and things, GOVERNING View is a window into the side of state and local government you don't always see.
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