Monday, March 22, 2010

World Water Day

World Water Day is held annually on 22 March as a means of focusing attention on the importance of freshwater and advocating for the sustainable management of freshwater resources. Water is the most important resource we have, thus the term "Blue Gold". It is up to us to do whatever we can to ensure clean drinking water for today and for the future.

Clean water is a privilege and not a right for many people around the world. Americans, like most people in the developed world, simply take it for granted. You know that when you go to the sink and turn on the water knob, clean water will flow, and flow, and flow. This may be the way it is today, but there is a serious water crisis and it may one day affect you personally, so take nothing for granted.

So how did World Water Day begin? According to the World Water Day website, the international observance of World Water Day is an initiative that grew out of the 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro. The UN designated March 22 of each year as the World Day for Water by adopting a resolution and invited countries from the globe to devote the day to the conservation and development of water resources, thereby raising awareness of the global water crisis.

The goals of World Water Day are to raise awareness about sustaining healthy ecosystems and human well-being through addressing the increasing water quality challenges in water management, and to raise the profile of water quality by encouraging governments, organizations, communities, and individuals around the world to actively engage in proactively addressing water quality e.g. in pollution prevention, clean up and restoration. Pretty lofty goals? Heck no! Totally attainable goals if we all work together to make them happen.


This year's theme is "Clean Water for a Healthy World". Millions of people around the world do not have access to clean water. Hard to believe, isn't it? When I say millions of people I mean nearly 900 million people. Yikes! That means almost one out of every 6 people lacks clean water. I bet you didn't know that lack of clean water is the second largest killer of children under the age of five.

Please check out http://www.waterday.org/ for more information on World Water Day. We are all in this together and we can make a difference.

12 comments:

Winston Wilbur said...

Hi Stubby,

Well because you have made us aware of world water day, Mum has now decided to see how she can reduce the time she spends turning on the tap unnecessarily. I hope this does not mean that I don't get my super or snacks, or that it interferes with it! The bonus is Who Hoo, no bath!!!

Winston

THE PUGLET said...

I think in honor of WWD, all pugs should take a vow to not bathe for, say, 6 years. That would probably save some water, right?

Seriously though, my human says water is one of those things we take for granted. She never gave water a second thought until she did a great big long hike and had to find, clean, and carry her own water every single day. For like 900 miles worth of days, however long that is.

She says people all over the world have to do that every single DAY and still don't have good water to drink. I'm glad WWD is trying to change that.

Smushie Ranch said...

Wow Stubby. This is sad. Our dad deals with this issue all the time because it takes a lot of water to help his grapes grow.

We agree with Puglet. No baths!

Love,
Stella, Gunther and Betty

Tweedles -- that's me said...

Hi Stubby
thank you for sharing the information about World Water Day.
Did you know that my water comes from deep in the earth and then it pours out of a mother Cedar Trees Roots?
Yup it does. It has lots of minerals,
love
tweedles

Unknown said...

I'll never forget living in Alaska and having to haul in every drop of water we used. To this day I still can't leave the water running while brushing my teeth. Its a little thing, but you can drain away three gallons easily, just while standing there! I learned (the hard way and very ungraciously) that all you need is a cup of water. sip, brush, spit, rinse, repeat. thanks for this!

Kelly said...

I would like to sign myself up for the 'No bath for 6 years' campaign!!!

Thanks for this info, Stubby! Water is something that we really take for granted in this country. It's so important to do what we can to help everyone have access to clean water.

Stubby said...

Hi Winston! That's so great that your mum is going to be more aware of her water usage. I'm sure it won't interfere with your super or snacks but if it does please tell me. I don't want any puggies missing out on food.

I'm all for not having a bath. I keep telling Mom that I'm trying to conserve water by not taking a bath but she just isn't buying it.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Puglet! I'm totally on board with not taking a bath for 6 years. That would save so much water and we would probably even win some kind of awards.

It's interesting how your human use to take water for granted until her big hike. 900 miles sounds like a really long way to go while hauling your own water. She must be super-human.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Stella, Gunther & Betty! This water issue is sad. There are so many people that don't have access to clean water, not to mention lots of doggies too.

Your dad does need a lot of water to grow his grapes but he's no alone. Many areas in Cali need lots of water because of all the veggies grown there.

No baths!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Tweedles! That's so cool that your water comes from deep in the Earth and then out through a mother cedar tree! That water must taste really delicious. I would like to try it sometimes sweet Tweedles when I visit you in your forest.

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Heather & Wally! You lived in Alaska? So cool! Hauling your water every day makes you appreciate water even more.

Mom doesn't run the water when she brushes her teeth or when she shaves. I'll even let you in on a secret. Mom doesn't flush the toilet everytime she pees. Her thinking - if it's yellow, let it mellow!

Stubby xoxo

Stubby said...

Hi Pearly Poo! I knew you'd be first in line for the no bath campaign. I'm right behind you because I'm not taking a bath ever again! We are totally doing our part to save lots of water!

Stubby xoxo