Our little blue planet gets its colorful description from the huge bodies of water that collectively cover over 70% of the world’s surface. Water is almost everywhere on Earth – even inside of you – about 54% of an average human’s body weight is attributed to water. In fact, life as we know it simply could not exist without water. This wonder-molecule is made up of a single Oxygen atom covalently bonded to two Hydrogen atoms. The way these atoms interact with each other gives way to water’s unique polar geometry. This polarity is why it’s so special – water’s shape makes it a universal solvent – allowing life’s basic components (DNA, proteins, etc) to have a place in which they can exist and interact.
So what’s the big deal? Well, a United Nations report published in 2008 revealed that approximately one billion people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. This shocking statistic is humbling, and it makes me realize how grateful I should be to have access to clean drinking water. We are so fortunate to have access to the best waters filters in 2019. Many Americans take for granted the luxury of being able to turn on a faucet and quench their thirst. Many claim they “don’t like the taste” of tap water which is why they use filter jugs, if you’re interested to learn more it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Maybe some should also consider buying Custom Water if they were lucky enough to be able to afford them and aren’t a fan of tap water, many prefer bottled water. but is this honestly a concern when 1 in 7 individuals would be thankful to have access to that same faucet water? I don’t think so, and so as part as my sustainability goal I aim to significantly reduce my use of bottled water. I’ve been a slave to bottled water for too long, and I’ve just now come to understand that the plastic that I’m wasting by consuming bottles of water is not at all necessary. So, for the 1 in 7, and for the sake of environmental sustainability, I went out and a got a hip new reusable water bottle. I’m super excited to break it in and to finally end my addiction to bottled water by making use of the clean faucet water available almost anywhere in Massachusetts!
Mike Salhany