Water, Water everywhere

“Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink!”

 

Well, it’s not quite true here, yet, but although about 70% of the earth’s surface is covered in water there is still a shortage of fresh, drinkable water in many parts of the world.  Clean, fresh water is essential for humans to survive and yet over a billion people in the world don’t have access to this basic resource.  The result is that more people die each year from the effects of polluted water than all forms of violence, including wars.  It is forecast that access to water will become as likely a source of international conflict as access to oil has been in the past.  We were once able to exist without oil, but no-one has existed long without water! 

 

So don’t take your water supply for granted.  We are so used to turning on the tap that we overlook the fact that we can have water shortages in this country too.  It’s not just the water we use in our washing machines, dishwashers, baths, showers and gardens on which we can economise, but on the more indirect lifestyle choices we make.  Water is used in the production of many items we use on a daily basis.  It has been calculated that the production of one cup of coffee requires the use of an amazing 140 litres of water, mainly for irrigation of the coffee plants.  Tea, on the other hand, uses only 30 litres because it is only grown in areas with a naturally adequate rainfall.  So switching to the traditional British cuppa can be good for the environment too!

 

 It can also be good for your pocket if you fit a water meter, so that you are only charged for what you use.  For many households this could be a significant monetary saving, but it can also make everyone more conscious that water should not be taken for granted and that our resources need to be managed and conserved.  Collecting your own water supply in rainwater butts, for watering your garden or cleaning the car, is another way you can contribute water conservation.

 

If you want to know more about the better management of water resources visit

www.waterfootprint.org/?page=files/home .

 

Recycling

Last week’s magazine erroneously reported that there is a public plastic recycling facility in Cranbrook.  There isn’t!  It was withdrawn last year, as previously reported but we are pursuing the matter with the authorities to find an alternative.

 

Thank you for your support of the dry cell battery and ink cartridge recycling at the Charter Hall.  If you haven’t discovered it yet, there is a recycling box in the Hop Pocket.

 

Market

Pease support your local monthly market, on the third Saturday of each month.  See our advertisement in this magazine.

 

You can contact Smarden Environment Group at charterhall1@btconnect.com or ring

Eric Spear, Chairman on 770350.  Come and join us!