As part of Climate Week NYC 2018 in September, Colgate-Palmolive outlined the progress of its ongoing consumer campaign to save water by turning off the tap while brushing and reduce global greenhouse emissions.
According to the company, 70% of Americans who were aware of the campaign said it influenced them to save water, with 58% of those influenced turning off the faucet more often while brushing their teeth.
Globally, the campaign can potentially save 50 billion gallons of water a year, Colgate-Palmolive reports. And since water and wastewater treatment systems are energy intensive, the company adds, saving water also conserves energy with about 2 million metric tons of greenhouse gas saved.
“Nearly 5% of US greenhouse gas emissions are associated with water and wastewater treatment,” said Colgate-Palmolive global director of sustainability Vance Merolla. “That’s 45 million tons of emissions a year, so conserving water can make a difference on many fronts.”
Colgate-Palmolive also says it has made significant strides reducing the amount of water and energy it uses to make and distribute products, though 90% of its water and carbon footprint comes from consumer use of its products.
“Water is intrinsic to how our products are used. Given our brand is found in more households than any other brand in the world, Colgate is uniquely positioned to lead in water conservation,” said JoAnne Murphy, director of shopper marketing, US.
The campaign, which the company says has reached nearly 3 billion people worldwide, is designed to bring attention to water scarcity and help conserve water. Elements include:
- Global Ambassadorship of Michael Phelps: Conservation champion and world champion swimmer Michael Phelps spoke to global media in advance of Climate Week NYC about the success of the Save Water message to turn off the faucet while brushing.
- Sponsorship of #RunningDry: This initiative was created by water advocate and ultra-runner Mina Guli, who will attempt to run 100 marathons in 100 days across six continents starting in November in New York to spotlight water challenges around the globe.
- Social media campaign: The #EveryDropCounts social media conversation continues among Colgate-Palmolive, its employees and partners, non-government organizations, and the public regarding water issues and ways to conserve.
Climate Week NYC was held during the United Nations General Assembly to gain the attention of global decision-makers. Colgate-Palmolive has confirmed its support for the UN Global Compact and endorsed the UN CEO Water Mandate to help advance water stewardship, sanitation, and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Related Articles
Phelps Asks Toothbrushers to Turn Off the Faucet
Colgate Names CARE Award Recipients
Oral Health Gets the Spotlight During UN General Assembly
