Setting resolutions for sustainability or greening goals can not be left behind in 2013. Losing weight, saving money or taking the best vacation ever, are wonderful goals for this New Year. But what about, using less, reusing more, buying more organic foods, or eating out less, just to name a few. To go a bit further what about actually setting up a chart and recording how your company or home is saving water or energy. The theme this year has been energized by the United Nations in proclaiming this the "International Year for Water Coorperation."
They have set several events in order to gain global cooperation and input from all countries and corporations. The first water summit drew in policy, business, and science leaders from all over the world. A kick-off meeting will be held at UNESCO (United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization) in Paris, France on February 11, 2013 where the "best slogan" from the slogan contest will be revealed (www.unwater.org/events.html).
The imporatance of water? No existence. Water Aid America (www.wateraidamerica.org) lists some startling facts on water from a worldwide perspective. Listing diseases from impure water and the struggles that some areas have in obtaining suitable drinking water to listing how much an average person uses on a daily basis in developing countries compared to undeveloped countries. A few startling facts; 1) there are still 783 million people in the world that do not have access to sanitary water and 2) over 2.5 billion people do not have access to sanitation. That is 35% of the world's population.
America has been blessed with good water and systems in place to make sure that it is available to all regions. But conservation is still necessary because of the population growth seen over the past 20 years and recent droughts. So what can we do to participate in this International Year of Water Cooperation from an individual standpoint?
At www.naturesvoice-ourchoice.org lists 5 simple things you can do to save water at little to no cost.
Action Savings Cost
1) Turn faucet off when brushing teeth, shaving 5 - 10 gal/person/day $0.00
2) Install a faucet aerator on your bathroom sink 5 - 10 gal/person/day $3.60 3) Install a faucet aerator on your kitchen sink 10 - 20 gal/day $5.50
4) Install a toilet tummy in your toilet tank 5 - 10 gal/person/day $4.80 5) Don't use your toilet as a waste basket 3 - 7 gallons/flush $0.00
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