Water is simply one of the single best gifts that man ever received. Different people call it a great many different names. Some even give it a lofty importance. Chemists call it the “universal solvent” as an acknowledgement to the superiority of water over all other solvents. While some, call water the “sustainer of life” owing to the fact that water supports the life here on Earth.
Water is indeed such an important resource and we all depend on it for survival. Ironically, many of us just ignore water, take it for granted, not caring about what could possibly occur if all the earthen waters get soiled. In the end, it is us who suffer.
This year, a huge El Niňo season devastated millions worth of crops and livestock in the Philippines. There is no way we can get that back.
Even in the world’s biggest countries, water is gradually becoming a scarce resource. However, it is the poor who are hit hard. Those who have no water reserves and can’t afford to buy water. See, according to the UN, “Across the globe, about 4,500 children die each day from unsafe water and lack of basic sanitation facilities. Over 90% of deaths from diarrhea diseases from unsafe water and sanitation occur in children under 5 years old.” Thing is, water should not be bought. It is a gift and should therefore be shared among all of us.
There are a lot of ways with which each of us can help. As it is said, “change starts from within.” Therefore, we should take steps to make sure that we are not wasting water and are making the most out of this precious gift. Here are some simple and practical ways with which can help us save water and help ourselves taken from 100 Ways To Conserve of WaterUseItWisely :
- When washing dishes by hand, don’t let the water run while rinsing. Fill one sink with wash water and the other with rinse water.
- Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
- Use the garbage disposal sparingly. Compost vegetable food waste instead and save gallons every time.
- Plant in the fall when conditions are cooler and rainfall is more plentiful.
- For cold drinks keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap. This way, every drop goes down you and not the drain.
- Water your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.
- Wash your fruits and vegetables in a pan of water instead of running water from the tap.
- Use a broom instead of a hose to clean your driveway and sidewalk and save water every time.
- When running a bath, plug the tub before turning the water on, then adjust the temperature as the tub fills up.
- Walkways and patios provide space that doesn’t ever need to be watered. These useful “rooms” can also add value to your property.
- Collect water from your roof to water your garden.
- When doing laundry, match the water level to the size of the load.
- Water your plants deeply but less frequently to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
These are just some of the ways with which we can help the worsening water situation here on Earth. It all starts from all of us. One simple step a day can go a long way.
Right now, we can also do more. The UN needs our help.
Take action today in support of the UN’s work to supply clean, safe drinking water to the world’s poorest populations and urge UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to continue the UN’s life-saving work bringing water and sanitation to developing nations.
Through continued efforts of the United Nations and organizations like UNICEF, the world is currently on track to meet the Millennium Development Goal on water. With the exception of sub-Saharan Africa, all regions should meet their water targets — but only through continued dedication and efforts by the UN and member countries.
Together with partners like UNICEF, we are on a path to provide clean, safe drinking water to millions around the world who need it most.
Helping the UN with there efforts is as simple as signing the petition.
Pandora's Box 