Water Helps You be a Better You

Water Helps You be a Better You

by | Jun 1, 2020 | People and Planet First, Quality of Life

Water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do.  In the book, Blue Mind, Wallace J. Nichols shares research on our deep connection to water.

The ‘Red Mind’ is characterized by stress and fear which was important in our evolution to survive. But in today’s world, our ‘Red Mind’ is engaged too frequently. The ‘Blue Mind’ is a state of being centered and calm. Wallace shares research that being near, on, or in water as a way we can connect with our ‘Blue Mind’.  This connection has a powerful effect on our bodies, minds, and soul.

What is your favorite water experience? Is it playing on the beach, sitting next to a lake, hiking in the woods along a stream, surfing, swimming, or simply a warm bath? However water brings you joy, look for ways to strengthen your connection. And let this remind you why we love the water on our planet.

 

 

Is Water a Human Right?

Is Water a Human Right?

by | Jun 1, 2020 | People and Planet First, Protect the Planet, Quality of Life

Life on our planet is sustained by water. For some it is abundant and for others scarce. As the number of people has increased to ~7 billion our needs for freshwater have dramatically increased.  While our planet is 70% water, only 2.5% is freshwater and only 1% of it is accessible.  

We know water is essential but is water a human need or a human right? While the distinction may seem subtle, it is a big difference. If it is a human need and it is scarce then it needs to be treated as a commodity and priced to reflect its value so it will not be wasted. If it is a right, then every person has the right to access sufficient water.  In the United States, there are many mentions of water, but it is not written that water is a human right. Internationally, the United Nations General Assembly voted in 2010 to recognize the “right to safe and clean drinking water as a human right.” As you can imagine this issue is not resolved. There are 790 million people without sufficient water in the world today.