We don't use plastic straws, we have reusable stainless ones when needed. We use reusable glassware and tupperware as much as possible but sometimes use Ziploc bags.  If the Ziploc bag can be washed & reused, we do that too. 

BY learning more about water conservation and preparing accordingly.

Doesn't surprise me, but I am very aware of this & try hard not to throw food out.

It will allow me to waste less food because I will always check the product on my own before throwing it out.

Wow, I learned a lot about how much water goes into the beverages I drink (water in pumping oil, making labels, making the product). The NPR article stated that bottled water companies aren't so bad at 1.39L to make 1/L of water, soda 2.02L, a liter of beer 4L, wine 4.74L, and hard alcohol 34.55L. I guess they are right, bottled water isn't that bad, but the way I see it, water comes straight from the tap, so I can cut that waste out of the equation at the source.