Our Care2 focus for Earth Day 2008 is water. Fresh water. Blue gold. Only 2.5 percent of the planet’s water is fresh, and less than half of 1 percent of that is available as drinking water. The only renewable source of freshwater is from rain, yet demand for freshwater is surpassing its supply as the population explodes and that same population pollutes it. To read more about the global water crisis read the Blue Gold booklet issued by the International Forum on Globalization.

The cold water from a gravity-fed spring tastes as sweet as fresh running maple tree sap. After drinking even half a glass of such vibrant water your whole body seems to sing with its sweetness. Scarce, now, such “alive” water is more a thing of the past. But our cells are 75 percent water, and a fertilized human egg is about 95 percent water. Do we really want polluted water?

We can take heart and take steps to protect ourselves and this valuable resource.

WASTEWATER
We all realize that throwing a plastic bottle in the ocean is a bad move, but beyond the obvious there are little things that many of us unwittingly do that are just as harmful. Our groundwater, streams and oceans are becoming increasingly polluted by chemicals that we innocently discharge and flush away.

Getting Clear About Wastewater
Read about what is getting into the wastewater, the surprising effects, and what you can do to help tame the deleterious chemical anarchy taking place in our water.

Water-Saving Tips
Gizmos and ideas you may never have thought of to help you water in your garden.

Use Less Water
10 smart water-saving tips for your life.

Catching Rain
Consider a rain barrel for your home.

Save Water in Your Yard
Are green roofs for you? Seven more ways for outdoor water saving.

Switch Your Showerhead?
Use this test to find out if a low-flow showerhead will help you save water.

Dishwasher Saving Tips
Which uses less water, hand washing or the dishwasher?

WATER BOTTLES
Not only do water bottles use a huge amount of resources (plastic, manufacturing, shipping, etc.), but they use up other people’s water, often forcing people with little income to buy back water that was once theirs.

Easy Greening: Water Bottles
The backstory about health and environmental impact of water bottles, plus recommendations.

Green Girl Pans Plastic
A college freshman lets go of the social acceptability of water bottles.

Bottled vs. Tap Water
How to kick the bottled water habit.