After that, I saw their ads in our local shops, on TV, online. I checked out their website and was amazed to read that more than 1 billion people in the world are without access to clean water. Um, that would be 1 out of every 6 people in the world, right? Dang. That 2 million people die each year from water-related diseases. Easily preventable ones. And get this--that many of these people spend an average of 5 hours a day walking to a clean water source. Can you even imagine having to walk that far and that long for a drink of water? For your kids to have to?
It's not something we think about that often, is it? Anyway, I've been impressed reading about this new initiative. The profits go to fund the installation of Play Pumps--water pumps that are built like big merry-go-rounds for kids to play on. As they play--spinning around like kids love to do, clean water is pumped into storage containers. So far, One Water has funded a few hundred of these Pump sites in southern Africa.
I just love the simplicity of it--the power of a great idea. Something that really matters and brings help to people. One Water is only just now available in Oz, but sparsely, and is coming to the US in the next couple of months. (Click on the link at the top of the post for more info.) It's worth checking out, I think!
Now y'all know I'm all about doing my part, right? Changing the world and all that. I think we need to keep issues like these in front of us. It is all too easy to forget what we don't have to deal with, isn't it? So, just wanted to use my exalted platform and considerable influence to pass on a great idea. Ahem. You're welcome. Have a fantastic day!
wow amy that's a great idea! I'll be sure to look for it.
ReplyDeleteYour influence grows daily! And I am highly oblivious to ads for things like bottled water, so thanks for bringing it to our attention.
ReplyDeleteWow, how interesting! I *love* the idea of the play pump; how cool! Thanks for alerting me to be on the lookout for this water here in the States soon...
ReplyDeleteVery cool. I had not heard of "One" before. Improving access to clean water seems like one of the biggest bang-for-your-buck ways to save and improve lives in the poorest countries. It reminds me of the numbers I've read about how drastically malaria transmission is reduced by simply placing mosquito nets around beds.
ReplyDeleteExactly, Dave! So often the simple becomes encumbered with complications in these countries, so it's encouraging to see something that's working. Soooo much can be done with just a little resource and outside support. I think this could qualify for one of your Micro-Progress posts! ;)
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to imagine a world where clean, fresh water is not easily available.This is a great idea .The play pump is genius ! Thanks for telling us about this.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing, Amy! How cool is that?
ReplyDeleteAnd a Mom must've thought of harnessing kid power! A hugely untapped resource! :)