Water: The Molecule of Life and Hygiene

Introduction

Water is referred to as the molecule of life. Its ability to bond into weak covalent bonds makes it one of the most versatile of compounds. Three quarters of the world is covered in the wet stuff, housing ninety percent of the planet's species. In Star Trek: The Next Generation, an alien thought the human race was nothing more than “giant bags of mostly water.” This was an accurate impression. We are, after all, 80% H20.

Despite this deceiving abundance however, water is precious gift. One-sixth of the world’s population lacks access to clean water (World Health Organization [WHO], 2008). Wells in the African Sahara break down, and the people have neither the knowledge nor the tools to fix them. Even in the United States, one of the most “developed” countries on earth, water supply is an issue. Dry, Southern states like Arizona having been eyeing the Great Lakes for decades. Michigan is considering selling their share for billions of dollars, at a price near the cost of oil.

Contaminated water is the number one carrier of diseases. Ironic, isn’t it, that the giver of life kills so many?

Acidic rain has done its share of destruction. Not only does the low pH level burn old European statues to pieces, it’s slaughters the wildlife (Environmental Protection Agency [EPA], 2008).

The tragedy of the commons strikes us all. Surrounded by Dasani and bubblers, it’s easy to take the vital, life-giving substance for granted. We take hour-long showers, allow faucets to leak, wash an ungodly amount of dishes... while people around the globe are thirsty. I chose to analyze my water use because it’s so underappreciated in our society. Just because it falls from the sky does not make it a perpetual resource.

Personal Impact

I’ve always prided myself in being mindful of my resources use. High school friends (and foes) referred to me as ‘tree hugger.’ It was meant semi-affectionately at best, but I took it as the highest of compliments. Growing up on the Flambeau River instilled a passion for the environment. It connected me to the earth, and made me aware of its processes. One cannot teach a child to appreciate nature, but my father reaffirmed my joy for the outdoors. His belief in sustainability influenced me greatly, and helped me respect simple living.

Last summer, I had the privilege of volunteering at an eco-village in Manitoba, Canada. It was the pinnacle of minimalism. We grew our own food, had no electricity, and I loved it. Being without technology was reawakening. Grocery stores and television screens disconnect us; going outside returns us to our natural state.

I love “rough living.” If I had a choice, I’d gladly give up my dorm room and live in Schmeekle Reserve. (Provided it was warm enough, of course.) When I went to Thailand this winter, most of the group was appalled at the concept of no flushing toilets. The only thing that bothered me, however, was being charged five baht to use a stall. I nearly squatted in a public garden just so I wouldn’t have to pay to pee.

Despite this, there is still room for me to improve, particularly in the water department. I drink more than some would consider healthy, which is the second reason why I chose it as my issue.

Lifestyle Choices

1.) Showers- I’ll admit, I enjoy a good scrub, but showers use a lot of water, especially for those who stand there for half an hour. Not taking any would greatly lower my water consumption. Although a nice luxury, they aren’t required. As long as I avoid lifting my armpits, I can do without.

2.) Cleaning- Some might find it unsanitary, but my immune system can handle using a dirty plate. Is it really necessary to wash our dishes after every single use? I don’t think so. My room can handle a layer of grime as well. Germs and bacteria don’t scare me! I’ll survive.

3.) Tea- What can I say? Especially in the winter, this warm drink is my weakness. I guzzle the stuff like crazy, with little regard to whether or not I actually need it. Women in Africa dig for hours just to get a drop, and hear I am drowning in mug after mug. It isn’t right, and can be changed.

Actions Selected and Results

Since I’m ambitious, I chose to tackle all three of the above choices. Why do something halfway? I like going the distance, and was curious to see what would happen. I did not shower, OR clean, OR drink too much tea. For. Three. Days.

As expected, my room is a lot dirtier. Thank Eru no one has to put up with me a roommate; the poor girl would be disgusted. My table is sticky with the juice of apples, but it’s staying put. I resist the siren call of showering; a vow is a vow.

Actually, this experiment provided a convenient excuse for being a slob. To be honest, being forced not to clean isn’t so awful. Luckily I’m not a neat freak, or else the grossness that is my salad bowl would frighten me.

I’m even filthier. My body hasn’t reeked so much since doing construction work in Beldenville. Noses in my biology 130 class balk at the whiff of me. Brianna gives me a hug, and I cringe knowing that I smell worse than her garbage bag. It’s embarrassing, but I try to wear the odor with pride. What’s worse: being smelly, or contributing to the dehydration of millions? I know where my priorities lie.

Summary and Insights

People have reacted to my “eco-consciousness" in various ways. My aunt in Michigan finds it inspiring. When I lived with her for two months, I unintentionally motivated her to change her costly, consumptive habits, and go green. Others find my behavior to be a bit odd. I mentioned earlier what my high school classmates referred to me as. In the redneck community of Ladysmith, my beliefs were downright strange. As a Buddhist vegetarian living in a conservative, McDonald’s-crazed town, I might as well have been an alien.

I don’t flush after I pee; toilets suck up as much as five gallons of water! Girls in the bathroom have looked at me with stares ranging from puzzlement to actual anger. I think my floor has gotten used to it; now all they do is ignore me or say ‘hi.’

What did I learn from this experience? Hygiene is important. My other aunt from Wausau came to visit, and gave me a serious lecture on how this assignment was not worth loosing friends. I listened to her patiently, but made no comment. I understand her concern, but am amazed by how she completely missed the point. True, I would do things a little bit differently if I were to do this experiment again- sponge baths, for starters- but it was still a valuable lesson. The small, seemingly meaningless choices we make every day impact the world. From what we wear to where we eat, people hold a great deal of responsibility. Sometimes it seems like corporations exploiting the world’s resources are unstoppable, but it’s the consumers who have the real power. By lowering our ecological impact and making wise choices, we can save trees, animals, and human life.

Reference List

Bledsoe, Lisa. Calvert Creative. [updated 2 February 2008; cited 2 March 2008]. Available from http://calvertcreative.blogspot.com/2007/09/good-design-helps-quench-worlds-thirst.html.

Policy Almanac. [updated 4 March 2008; cited 4 March 2008]. Available from http://www.policyalmanac.org/environment/archive/acid_rain.shtml.

Osokin, Nikolai. Terra Daily. [updated 4 March 2008; cited 4 March 2008]. Available from http://www.terradaily.com/reports/Antarctic_To_Cover_Global_Water_Shortage_999.html.