Sounding the Alarm Bell on Water
By: La Marguerite
I know, I know, the economy and partisan politics have taken over our conversations, leaving little room for anything else, let alone problems that are still removed from the reality of our lives. Huge global issues such as the water crisis. A chance business meeting with a friend, about to launch a new water efficiency venture, got me thinking about water. Just as with deforestation, and biodiversity loss, I am shocked by the magnitude of the problem, and the corresponding relative inaction to curb it.
The water crisis raises some critical questions about water economics, water ethics, water technology, water efficiency, water conservation, water waste, water inequities, water rights, water laws, water politics, water awareness . . . all of which need to be addressed at the various appropriate levels.
As with other global environmental issues, it is easy to feel lost as an individual citizen. Yet, there is lots one can do to favorably impact the situation:
* boycott bottled water
* conserve water at home, and other places
* blog about it, and also comment on other blogs
* support watchdog organizations such as Food and Water Watch
* support legislation to encourage water conservation and efficiency
* share problem and possible solutions with friends
You may also want to go see “Flow”, Irena Salina’s recently released documentary on water.
Boycotting bottled water is a fantastic idea which is starting to gain speed and popularity. Plastic is environmentally expensive to make and highly damaging if it is not recycled. With the majority of plastic bottles being sent to the dump (over 80%) recycling them just doesn’t seem to be working. The best solution is to not use them at all! Tap water is the U.S. is cleaner than most bottle water products and it’s so cheap in comparison, only $.002 per gallon! If you just can’t remember to bring your aluminum sports bottle, try putting some Icebox Water in your car for emergencies. It’s water in a box! Made from 97% recycled stuff, this carton of sweet spring water from Norway is 100% recyclable. Plus it stacks well in an icechest and won’t degrade in heat. Go to http://www.glacia.co.uk for more info.