April 2011 Issue
Our summer has come to an end and autumn is upon us. Whilst we have just come through a very wet summer, with floods in many areas, our country is still regarded as a desert country with an urgent need for water conservation. In previous newsletters we have covered the importance of water for human health and illustrated the importance of preserving this vital commodity for our own survival and generations to come.
Why save water?
Unlike electricity, water can be stored and used later if and when needed. Apart from our own bodies which is made up of 60% water, it requires 300lt water to produce one kilogram of paper and 215,000lt for one metric ton of steel! This illustrates the importance of water which more than any other life sustaining commodity is present in everything the human race need and use. Lets examine two scenarios : Drought and Water Scarcity.
Drought occurs seasonally through lack of rainfall. It may occur one season and not another. Drought stricken areas suffer the most especially in our country, which remains one of the 30 driest countries in the world.
Water Scarcity occurs when the ways in which we use and distribute water cannot fully meet the demands from humans and the environment. It is directly linked to global use which is increasing at more than twice the rate of population growth. Water scarcity already affects every continent and more than 40% of the people on our planet.
We cannot do much to prevent a drought from occurring. What we can do is to prevent or even reduce the incidence of water scarcity.
What can I do?
Apart from the obvious savings such as leaking taps and cisterns, swimming pools etc. We can :
Actively support Government, NGOs, Private Foundations and Companies which prioritize the conservation and protection of our water resources.
Support funding initiatives that help to make these objectives possible.
Take responsibility for your own and your family's water use to make it more efficient.
Reduce your water foot-print if involved in industrial sector.
Teach our children the importance of conserving water; they will need it most in the future!
Who knew?
It takes 32 liters water to make one microchip and.. 25,700 liters water to grow a days food for a family of four.
We wish you all a blessed and safe Eater Holiday! Next month : Something about Glaciers |
