I have to title this blog post about Blue Gold: World Water Wars with an uplifting message because I have to keep reminding myself not to lose hope. Wars are always won by somebody. We just have to acknowledge that these wars over water are already being fought, even though they’re not wars in the conventional sense. Companies and people are dressed up as soldiers, throwing things at each other across rivers (the word for river comes from the Latin for “rival,” as in rivals throwing things across a river at one another). The coveted commodity, water, is a moving target which slips through our hands if we try to hold onto it, yet companies the world over (three major ones that probably own the water in a major city near you, even in the US) attempt to claim that resource. Everyone needs water so it’s logical (to me at least) that not only one entity should profit from it. I have a bumper sticker that says “Only when the last tree has fallen, the last river has dried up, and the last fish has died will we realize that we cannot eat money.” I hope we soon realize that we can’t drink it either.
This is a fabulous movie but I get the sensation that it is an hour of the problem and a half hour of the solutions. But there is hope — never forget it! What can do you? Start in your own spaces by reducing the demand of water that the privately-owned companies are supplying. Use low-flow showerheads, turn off the faucet when you’re brushing or shaving, don’t water your lawn if your climate can’t support the grass, and be mindful of your water usage (like, don’t wash your car if it’s raining). Americans can easily use 25-30% less water than we do now. Know where you water comes from; know your watershed. Get involved with water issues in your community. Wash you car and water your plants and lawns with rain barrels (and consider that private companies have attempted to privatize rain water! collect it as long as you can!). Plant container gardens. Reduce your use of soaps and other products that pollute water sources. Reach out to your elected officials and let them know that you want safe water to be available to everyone, everywhere. Remember that when you look for life, you look for water. If there’s no water, there’s no life. Let’s keep what water we have in the system and use it wisely!
Buy the movie here:Blue Gold: World Water Wars
