Sustainability: Water

Every year since 1993, World Water Day (March 22) raises awareness and inspires action to tackle the water and sanitation crisis. Currently there are 2.2 billion people living without access to safe water.

Do you know the following story about a hummingbird? It is about how we react to a crisis.

One day in the forest, a fire broke out.

All the animals ran for their lives.

They stood at the edge of the blaze, looking at the flames in terror and sadness.

Up above their heads, a hummingbird was flying back and forth to the fire, over and over again.

The bigger animals asked the hummingbird what she was doing.

“I am flying to the lake to get water to help put out the fire.”

The animals laughed at her and said, “You can’t put out this fire!”

The hummingbird replied, “I’m doing what I can.”’

The actions you take, no matter how small, will help. Give these a try:

• Save water: Take shorter showers, don't leave the tap running when brushing teeth, doing dishes, or preparing food

• Eat local: Buy local or seasonal food, and look for products made with less water

• Flush safe: Fix leaking water and waste pipes, empty full septic tanks

• Stop polluting: Don’t put food waste, oils, medicines or other chemicals down toilets or drains

• Clean up: Take part in clean-ups of local rivers, lakes, wetlands and beaches

Source: https://www.un.org/en/observances/water-day