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WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE
(and none of it to drink)
By Kathy Urffer
As the world's population
increases and the green house effect becomes more apparent, the pressure on our
water supply increases. There is a limited supply of fresh water on the planet (less
than 1% of the total amount of water on our planet) that must be shared by all living
beings. Drought, overpopulation, and pollution have joined forces to put us in a
very dangerous position. As individuals, it is our responsibility to play an active
role in protecting our supply of fresh water.
Here
are some simple ways to make a difference—in this time of drought and ALWAYS:
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Flush the toilet only
when necessary. Follow the old sailor's adage: If it's yellow, let it mellow.
If it's brown, flush it down. (Saves 5 to 6 gallons per (non)flush in a typical
toilet.)
Put a full one-gallon
bottle in the toilet tank to displace water. (Saves 1 gallon.)
Take showers instead
of baths, and make them short showers. (Saves 10 to 25 gallons.)
Shave, wash dishes,
wash hands in a basin of water. (Saves 13-35 gallons.)
Turn off the tap when
you brush your teeth. (Saves 6 gallons.)
Wash clothes only in
full loads. (Saves 16 to 25 gallons per load.)
Don't run water to defrost
foods. (Saves 3 to 5 gallons.)
Repair leaky faucets
and turn taps off tightly. (Saves 8 gallons per day.)
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In addition, for
the long run:
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Landscape your yard
with native plants. They are heartier than exotic species for our area, need less
care, and provide better wildlife habitat.
Work to protect open
space around reservoirs to provide filtration and replenishment.
Learn who your water
supplier is and stay aware of their policy and business choices regarding your drinking
water resource. |
Humans can die
within 10 days of not having water.
Water
is sacred. Cherish every drop.
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Give Hackensack
Riverkeeper as a gift all year round!
Think of your
friends, your family, and your river, all at the same time!
You
can make a gift of Hackensack Riverkeeper in the following ways:
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Give a donation
to Hackensack Riverkeeper in the name of the recipient. They will receive an acknowledgement
card, our newsletter, and the satisfaction that they have a generous and thoughtful
friend.
Give a gift certificate
in increments of $25 to be used for:
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Canoe Rentals
Eco-Cruises
Eco-Walks
Purchase of Keeperwear
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