March 22nd is World Water Day. Never heard of World Water Day before?
In 1993 the United Nations General Assembly declared March 22 as World Water Day. While clean drinking water is likely something you and I take for granted, 748 million people in the world lack access to clean water. That is the equivalent of nearly two and a half times the United States population! Unsafe water contributes to more child deaths than aids and malaria combined. Thanks to organizations like World Vision there are ways we can help bring clean drinking water to those in need.
Before you read on, take a second to read Violet’s story…
Here are a few ways you can celebrate World Water Day and make a difference:
Take a short shower: An American who takes only a five-minute shower has already used more than an entire days worth of water for the average person in a developing country’s slum.
Make a home cooked meal: Thinking about eating out? Instead, opt for a home-cooked meal. Use the time at home to talk about the need for clean water, and donate the money saved by cooking at home to give clean life-sustaining water.
Walk or run a 6K: On World Water Day thousands of people from around the world will walk or run a 6K to benefit children in Africa. Each registration helps bring clean water to communities in need. Visit the Worldvision 6K website to learn how you can map your own course, participate in the run, and share your 6K highlights.
Organize a mall walk: The time many North American women spend shopping daily equals the time many women devote to collecting water each day.
Run a lemonade stand or a bake sale: This is something fun that the kids can do. Donate the proceeds from the lemonade stand or bake sale to help provide clean water.
Have a garage sale: Do some spring cleaning and donate the proceeds to a to help provide clean water. For an even greater impact organize a neighborhood or multi-family garage sale.
Make a video: Use your camera or smart phone and make a video with your kids showing The dirty water that many people have to drink each day. Bring a water bottle or small bucket and find a puddle, or if you live in Louisiana, find a muddy bayou, and fill it up. Talk about your experience. Would you or your kids drink it? Help spread the word about the need for clean water around the world by sharing your video on social media using #WaterEffect and #WaterNow.
Give a clean water: Visit the World Vision website to contribute to the Clean Water Fund, or make a monthly pledge. A total of $25 per month provide six more people with clean water every year.
How will you choose to celebrate World Water Day?
About Amy @ Oh So Savvy Mom
