Save Our Water

I just watched Flow, an award-wining documentary on the global water crisis, and I'm really mad about all the ways corporations (such as Nestle, Coca Cola, and Pepsi) and governments around the world are turning water into a commodity, and in the process, destroying the environment, displacing communities, and ignoring regulatory laws like The Clean Water Act.

A few things you might want to know:
One, pesticides and Prozac are ending up in water supplies.
Two, drilling for natural gas is polluting well water and rivers with toxic chemicals (not to mention the BP oil spill, which is wreaking havoc on marine and human life and livelihood).
Three, we're going to run out of potable water. What are you going to do about it?

There are many, many more water issues, such as: access and sanitation for people in developing countries, aquifer depletion, global warming, ...

Don't assume that the government is looking out for your safety.  Just because there are laws and regulations in place doesn't mean that there aren't exceptions, loopholes, and neglect.

Learn more about what you can do to conserve, get mad at the companies and governments who are not protecting our water, and then get in touch with congress.

Here's where you can learn more:

• Start by watching: Flow: For Love of Water, an award-winning documentary about the global water crisis. 
• Riverkeeper, an advocacy group based in NY.
• Water.org, a non-profit organization co-founded by Matt Damon.
• World Water Council, "a global movement for a water secure world."
• Natural Resources Defense Council, which provides info, stats, and action alerts about environmental issues.

"Lower Emissions, Raise Your Voice"

More from San Francisco Greenfest:
Learned about The Alliance for Climate Education (ACE), a non-profit org "dedicated to educating America's high school students about the science behind climate change and inspiring them to do something about it—while having fun along the way."

I think their message and tips apply to all of us. I've copied some of their energy-reduction tips here:

1.Use compact florescent light bulbs - they use 1/4 the energy and last 10 times longer.
2.Unplug lamps and electronics when not in use. Even when turned off they use energy. Do this and reduce your carbon output by 1000 lbs.
3.Buy eco-friendly products.
4.Stop buying things you don't need.
5.Reuse, reuse, reuse. Shop at thrift stores, garage sales, etc.
6.Recycle.
7.Stop buying bottled water. Fill up at home and carry your own in an eco-friendly bottle made out of stainless steel.

How many of these things are you doing?

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Pee for the Planet

My neighbor just emailed me a link to an article in the Telegraph (a U.K. newspaper). Apparently, peeing on your yard compost helps activate the composting process. It also saves water! Also in this article - the Brazilian government has encouraged people to pee in the shower. Ultimately, the article poses the question....."is this really a civilised way to save the planet?"

I think, "YES." Pee for the Planet!!! Next time you have to go, step outside and fertilize your flower bed!

Now, I must add a link to another Telegraph article about elimination. There's really no green connection, but the headline caught my eye.

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What's Your Water Footprint?

So just how much water do you waste? We don't have an endless supply, you know!

I read in Body & Soul that "according to the Food & Water Watch, the average American uses 1,190.5 gallons of water a day." A DAY. We all need to stop that. Drink your 8 glasses for health, then find some better ways to clean. For starters, get a front loading, Energy Star rated washing machine. I have a small, European model that uses almost no water and about 1/2 the electricity of a top loader. It also spins my clothes almost dry so that I can simply hang them on a line in my basement or on a folding rack in my living room. Line drying saves energy and prolongs the life of your clothes. Also, don't run a load unless it's full.

Another good idea -- collect rain water with a rain barrel. Use that water to water plants and to wash your car (I use just a drop of Dr. Bronner's soap in a bucket--it's biodegradable).

What else... go to H20 Conserve for more water-saving tips. Every drop counts.

Keep track of U.S. stream flows at http://water.usgs.gov/waterwatch/

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