Date of Award

2009

Document Type

Research Paper

First Advisor

Cheryl Swift

Second Advisor

Jeff Cain

Abstract

In June 2008, California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed an executive order declaring a statewide drought. Water levels continue to drop in reservoirs, like Lake Powell, but demand is rising as population grows. What if the solution to water shortages is not to exploit new water sources, but to educate communities about water conservation? My senior project tests the results of a pre and post-awareness campaign I conducted in the Whittier College community. I recorded the total amount of water used on campus for two months (by looking at the water bills); then I created a series of graphic design posters, to be displayed on campus, informing the community of the hidden ecological/environmental costs of importing water to regions like Southern California. I also randomly surveyed 100 students to see how their water use habits changed before and after the campaign. Post-survey results showed that students were overall more edcated and aware of their water use as a direct result of the campaign.

Comments

WSP Major: Environment Science & Globalization: Blending from Environmental Science, Biology, Sociology, Global & Cultural Studies, with a minor in French

Download

Share

COinS