Water footprint is an indicator of water consumption, including both direct and indirect water consumption by consumers and producers. Therefore, the footprint may truly reflect how human beings use water and their influence on water use. Mr. FU Chaoran, a junior student in civil engineering of Tongji University developed a simplified calculator of water footprint with nine other students in a hope to guide the general public to save water in their life.

“In the process of producing, transporting and marketing, a bottle of milk will consume 250 liters of water, which records its water footprint. Although the concept of water footprint plays a remarkable role in raising people’s awareness of saving water, and in accelerating water recycle in cities, it has not drawn enough attention at home and something needs to be done.” A social practice team headed by FU did a research on water footprint and promoted the concept by doing surveys, answering enquiries to educating local residents in communities in Shanghai such as Jiande Neibourhood in New Jiangwan City, Miyun Residential Community and Tongji New Village in Yangpu District.

“We want to apply our knowledge to practice to contribute to the construction of an eco-friendly society and a water-saving city.” The team developed a simplified calculator of water footprint independently before National Day holidays of 2015. The calculator may not only simulate one’s regular shopping in the supermarket to calculate their daily or weekly water footprint, but also connect him to his Wechat Moments to share his water-saving life with his relatives and friends. In this way the concept of water footprint may be spread to every corner of Shanghai.

According to FU, this calculator of water footprint project was among on the final list of the Seventh Knowledge and Practice Cup of Shanghai College Students in National Social Practice Competition.

Translated by May Language Studio based upon

http://app.why.com.cn/epaper/qnb/html/2015-10/08/content_270668.htm?div=-1