An Earth-Friendly Edition For People Who Love The Planet

FUN STUFF TO READ, LEARN, & DO


Friday, March 22nd

“When we celebrate World Water Day, we are not only rejoicing over the various sources of water our Earth boasts, but we are also raising awareness of the decreasing access to freshwater many areas of the world face.”
~ Healingwaters.org

 

FUN STUFF TO READ:

THE BIG THIRST:
The Secret Life and Turbulent Future of Water
by Charles Fishman

“Writing from oceans down to molecular water, and from Saturn’s icy moons to dolphins swimming in the Nevada desert, Charles Fishman explores our strange and complex relationship with water. Ultimately, The Big Thirst seeks appreciation, respect, and smart use of our most precious resource.”

FUN STUFF TO LEARN:

Plastic sponges vs. natural sponges

Kitchen plastic sponges:

  • are made of plastic
  • leach chemicals and microplastics into our water systems
  • are a breeding ground for nasty bacteria
  • a year’s worth of plastic sponges can last up to 52,000 years in a landfill

Natural sponges:

  • are compostable, biodegradable, made from plants
  • ex: loofah sponges, walnut/coconut scrubbers, Swedish dishcloths
  • my favorite: Trader Joe’s pop-up sponges made from vegetable cellulose

FUN STUFF TO DO:

Are you wasting water?
Let’s count the ways.

  • The ADA recommends brushing your teeth for 2 minutes twice a day. If you leave the faucet running while brushing, you waste 2 gallons of fresh water down the drain. Two times a day! That’s 4 gallons of wasted water per person!
  • Hand washing the dishes? If you scrub by hand, fill up a pot with water rather than filling the whole sink.
  • Take quick showers.