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As we all know, water is essential to life on earth – but our fresh water supplies are continually being threatened by pollution, over-use and climate shifts. To celebrate this vital resource’s impact on so many facets of our lives, and to rally people around the sustainable provision of clean, fresh water to all people, let’s take time out this Sunday, March 22nd, for World Water Day.This global initiative flowed out of the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, and was ratified by the UN General Assembly to take place each year on this date.

A resolution was prepared and adopted asking member nations to put into practice such recommendations as improving freshwater access to those who need it; advocating for clean water through sanitation and hygiene; helping all farmers produce more food of better quality with less water and less stress on the environment; encouraging sustainable energy practices which means using less water; and conserving water both through lowered water use (consumption) and the avoidance of water degradation (pollution). These are just some among a host of recommendations that are offered and which you can learn more about by going to the Water for Life page.

Among many other WWD events, UNICEF will host the NYC Tap Project Water Walk this Sunday – “a one-mile walk for young people and their families, schools and communities to help raise awareness and support for children worldwide who suffer from a lack of clean water. Participants will carry up to one gallon of water in a gesture of solidarity with those who must collect and carry water daily.” See if there are World Water Day events happening or organizations participating in your area by clicking here and here.

There are other ways to show your commitment to sustainable water practices. Learn about the issues surrounding water conservation and solutions you can use from H₂O Conserve, and while you’re there, remember to find your water footprint with the Water Footprint Calculator. You can also Adopt a Restaurant in your neighborhood and ask them to join with the Take Back The Tap campaign in not selling bottled water. Individuals can pledge to Take Back the Tap, too! And the Eat Well Guide is promoting water conservation by awarding the “Water Conscious” rating to those farms, restaurants, and other purveyors of local, sustainable food that have taken steps to conserve this precious resource and protect our watersheds.

And finally – don’t forget to raise a glass of H₂0 on World Water Day to honor that life-giving substance that keeps our lives afloat!

***This post is contributed by guest author Kai Olson-Sawyer, Program Manager for H₂0 Conserve. Thanks for supporting The Green Fork!***