Aug25
{be well} Making a Difference
I had always been one to help others. I immigrated to the United States from the Philippines when I was 4 years old. But, I still have family in the Philippines. And I have traveled back to the Philippines. So, I know what it is like to not have clean water. I know what it is like to save water in a bucket to take a bath. I know what it is like to boil the water before I drink it. I believe the Clean Water Blogivation campaign is so important. Living in the United States, we often waste our water. Also, some Americans feel entitled or spoiled to have clean water, especially if they have never been abroad to a third world country. Just last night I discussed with a colleague how I can make a difference to other people since my job has not given me that satisfaction. I know now how I can make a difference. By supporting the Clean Water campaign and blogging about this important cause.
Do you want to help me make a difference in this world? Vote for my blog.
“I have signed up to participate in the Clean Water Blogivation campaign. If my blog receives the most votes, I will win an opportunity to join Dr. Greg Allgood on a clean water expedition to Africa and a $15,000 donation to my favorite charity tackling water issues.”
FACTS ABOUT THE WORLD WATER CRISIS
· Less than 1% of the world’s fresh water is readily accessible for direct human use. (2)
· Almost 1 billion people lack safe drinking water. (1)
· More than 1.4 billion children under age 5 die each year because of diarrheal diseases
associated with contaminated drinking water—more than HIV/AIDS and malaria combined.
(1)
· Every 20 seconds, a child in a developing country dies from a water-related illness. (2)
· Providing safe, clean, drinkable water can reduce deadly diseases by about 50%. (4)
· The daily per capita use of water in residential areas is: 350 liters in North America and
Japan, 200 liters in Europe and 10-20 liters in sub-Saharan Africa. (3)
· An American taking a 5-minute shower uses more water that the typical person living in a
developing country slum uses in a day. (2)
· Waterborne diseases remain the leading cause of illness and death in the developing world.
(2)
References
1. WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring Programme for Water Supply & Sanitation. Progress on
sanitation and drinking-water: 2010 update. Geneva, World Health Organization, 2010
2. WHO: http://www.who.int/docstore/water_sanitation_health/vector/water_resources.htm
Accessed 6/23/10.
3. http://www.worldwatercouncil.org/index.php?id=25
4. www.csdw.org
3 Comments »Emotional, Intellectual
Great post and a good reminder for us that don’t think about it, since we’ve never had to experience it. Thank you.
Lori´s last [type] ..Stylish Air Filters
Voted. I took a hard look at what I take for granted as a US citizen during my recent trip to Peru. Even though we stayed with middle class families…wow. The difference was all in the little things. And it was unbelievable.
Brigitte´s last [type] ..Through The Looking Glass
Thanks for voting for me Brigitte. Sounds like you had an amazing trip to Peru. Would love to hear about your trip one day.