Taking action for water
Our planet is facing a water crisis, but people around the world are responding. Lend a hand!:
Consider not drinking bottled water: See our bottled water page for more info. Our choices add up so unless it's an emergency, use some form of tap water and keep billions of plastic bottles out of the environment.
Conserve: Canadians use a lot of water per capita compared to most of the world. In your home, your garden or farm, your school, faith community, workplace and everywhere else, respect water by using only what you need. Get involved with local conservation efforts-- more and more Canadian communities have initiated these.
Keep water in public hands: Ask your local government, your province, and the federal government not to privatize our water systems-- and to ensure that public systems are kept up and citizens have a say. Over 120 Canadian communities have convinced their local government to sign a Water Declaration which raises awareness and creates a commitment to keep water in public, democratic hands. See our resources on talking with your local government:
Sample resolution on public water for your council
The ABCs of talking to your local council about water (PDF format)
See the Council of Canadians for more info:
http://www.canadians.org/water/index.html
Protect water as a human right: Recognising water as a human right ensures that equal, affordable access for should be a priority. It also means a legal recognition that water should be protected for all-- including the whole planet, not just humans. Right now the Canadian government refuses to recognise water as a human right. See our member Development and Peace's petition and the Council of Canadians site.
Protect water for all living things: Clean water relies on healthy ecosystems on land, in the water itself, and in the air. Get involved in local efforts to protect and restore watersheds. Protect local and global fisheries and forests. Reflect these values in your own community-- Reconsider what cleaning products you use, and what you put down the drain. See the World Council of Churches' Ecumenical Water Network site for ideas.
