by Cris Santos

“Taking care of water, is taking care of us and all forms of life.’’

WATER is a large living organism, which, like oxygen, is essential for the life of all beings that inhabit planet Earth. For this reason it is considered a sacred symbol for most religions.

But have you ever thought about the privilege of having access to drinking water?

It is estimated that 1 in 9 people in the world do not have access to drinking water and it is still undervalued.

Taking care of water is showing gratitude for this precious asset that sustains life.

We are 70% water and 70% of the planet’s surface is composed of this element.

Of the total of this volume, 97% is salt water from the seas and oceans.

Only 3% are freshwater, 2% in solid state located on glaciers and only 1% in rivers, lakes and groundwater that are used primarily for human supply, industrial production and animal husbandry at large scale.

Access to drinking water, essential for maintaining life and health, is a fundamental need for all living beings. Even so, almost half of the world’s population does not have access to quality water and basic sanitation.

Despite being a renewable resource, the available water is scarce and is being used in an unconscious and inconsequential way as much of it is polluted or wasted.

This leads us to reflect on our duties to consciously consume this precious natural good, so that it remains healthy and accessible to everyone, including animals.

It can be simple to make a positive impact on the planet. Through simple attitudes, each of us can collaborate a lot with the preservation of water resources and the improvement of water quality for present and future generations.

We share some suggestions for everyone to contribute to water preservation:

CONSCIOUS CONSUMPTION AND VIRTUAL WATER

Virtual water refers to the amount of water used, directly or indirectly, in the production of some good or service.

It is important to be aware that our total water consumption is not limited to our direct use of it, but to the entire amount that is spent to produce the products we consume daily.

For example:

Buying less clothes means reducing our water consumption.

The textile industry consumes 4% of the world’s annual fresh water intake

As well as choosing to buy food from local producers, who reuse rainwater and do not use pesticides that contaminate groundwater. Farming accounts for 70 percent of the water consumed.

WATER IN OUR DAILY TASKS

What can we do?

. Reuse water from house cleaning when flushing the toilet.

. When it rains, put buckets in the garden / balcony, in order to store water and later use it for cleaning, irrigation, etc.

. When defrosting the freezer, use the melted ice plates to water the plants and the garden.

. Use vegetable cooking water to make soups, or wait for it to cool and use it to water the plants.

. Wash the dishes in a basin with water and use biodegradable products, thus avoiding contamination of water resources. (and why not learn to make your own household cleaning products?)

. Take quick showers. An extended shower can use up to 100 liters.

. Opt for personal care and cosmetic products that value natural raw materials, without salts, parabens, toluenes and other chemicals that harm the environment.

. Use only a glass of water and a natural toothpaste to wash your teeth.

.Use the washing machine only when it has the maximum load and when necessary.

. Prefer natural fabrics such as wool, cotton, silk and cashmere, preferably from organic farming, instead of synthetic fibers, which release microparticles when washing.

Last but not least, when you breathe, drink or bath, feel gratitude for the water you receive and the water that lives in you.

We have in our hands all the strength necessary to change the course of our relationship with the planet. If we assume our responsibility and recognize ourselves as empowered beings, it will be much easier to regenerate and transform the way we care for water.

As an African proverb says: “Simple people, doing small things, in unimportant places, achieve extraordinary changes”.

 I believe in this and I dedicate myself to the utmost so that we deserve to live on this beautiful and mysterious planet. And you?