Water

Contributed by Waterless Co. 

Many of those now advocating for greater awareness of the world's water challenges and the need for more efficient—less wasteful—water use, believe these issues should be taught in schools.

Advocates stress that education is critical in shaping responsible water use habits for the future. It's a key tool in our fight for water efficiency and sustainability.

The U.N. reports that more than two billion people worldwide do not have access to safe drinking water, and that number is growing.

Further, the U.N. reports:

Climate change, population growth, and increasing water scarcity will put pressure on the food supply as most of the freshwater used [worldwide] is used for agriculture. It takes between 500 and 1,300 gallons of water to produce one person's daily food. 

"Water, a resource often taken for granted in the United States and much of the Western world, is a precious and increasingly scarce commodity," emphasizes Klaus Reichardt, a prominent advocate for water efficiency and the CEO of Waterless Co. Inc., a leading brand of no-water urinals.

"Because today's parents had little education about water efficiency, it's understandable that their children know little about responsible water use."

More specifically, Reichardt suggests that today's youngsters be taught the following:

  • Realize that water is life.
  • About 40 percent of the world's water is polluted or not potable.
  • Where water comes from, how it is stored, treated, and delivered.
  • The wide-ranging impacts of droughts on people, communities, and businesses.

 

Reichardt reminds us that while the water crisis is a serious issue, we must also instill hope in the next generation. "Hope is a powerful motivator for change," he says. "We've made significant advances in using water more sparingly, efficiently, and in many cases, eliminating the use of water entirely. Armed with this knowledge, today's students can be the catalysts for new ideas and innovations that further foster water efficiency."