Only a fraction of a percent of our planet's water is drinkable. This number hasn't seemed to be a major concern for Americans, since advertisers continuously bombard consumers with brand-name waters, selling the idea that one specific sort is actually better tasting or even healthier than another. When comparing our country to third-world nations, it is truly a shame how we, and others globally, have taken this natural resource for granted, not thinking twice about how difficult it is for the impoverished to obtain water. This issue continues to be a struggle that affects third-world families and children around the globe. Each day, millions of people in underprivileged countries are affected by waterborne diseases, which are threatening the lives of young children. Can you even imagine living in a world where finding drinkable water is a daily struggle?
Fortunately, there are ways that we can each make change. The UNICEF Tap Project is a program that strives to teach people around the globe about the current issues regarding tap water concerns in impoverished countries. Restaurants partcipating in te program—which originated in New York City—by giving customers the option to donate $1 or more for tap water that would have otherwise been free.
Since the program was launched in 2007, it has raised close to $2.5 million to provide aid for water sanitation around the world. Every dollar donated has the ability to provide a child with sanitary water for 40 days. According to UNICEF, waterborne sicknesses remain to be one of the most avoidable causes of child mortality worldwide. Worldwide, 900 million people lack access to sanitary water, and half of these people are children. Think about the impact this money could have if each person in America were to donate.
The simplicity of getting involved or donating just $1 has and will continue to fight these terrifying figures. Addressing issues concerning education, health care, nutrition and emergency relief, UNICEF is proudly able to say that it has lowered the number of child mortality rates around the world.
Now, Tap Project is hitting our very own university, giving us all an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness and help fight for the lives of millions worldwide. Here at UW-Madison, students and families have the chance to help spread awareness of this issue. Currently, The Old Fashioned and Harvest are two restaurants signed up to participate in this movement, and hopefully there will be more to come on the streets of Madison.
Supporters also have the opportunity to simply send a text message reading, ""TAP"" to the number 864233 (UNICEF). The amount may seem like a bit of a stretch for college students struggling to meet the economic demands of daily life, but in the grand scheme of things, $10 probably won't break the bank. When applying this donation to the number of potential life changes for millions of children living with poor water sanitation, it may seem difficult to resist. Consider the effects of putting your money toward something that will help you personally touch the lives of children around the world.
During UNICEF's World Water Week, March 20-26, UW-Madison students will promote awareness of the issue by participating and hosting specific events. Monday, there will be a restaurant benefit with a portion of proceeds going toward the Tap Project. Tuesday will include a display of flags representing the amount of ground water available to drink on earth. Vilas Hall will host a documentary showing ""The American Southwest: Are We Running Dry?"" Wednesday, and finally, there will be a panel night in Grainger Hall Thursday, featuring speakers discussing the causes and
effects of world water issues.
Last year, UNICEF was able to raise a grand total of over $1 million to support water sanitation in Haiti, Vietnam, Togo, Guatemala and the Central African Republic. Just think of the possibilities this program offers—with more awareness, support and care for suffering children and families, we can all participate in making revolutionary changes to our world.
Casey Ayala is a freshman intending to major in journalism. We welcome all feedback. Please send responses to opinion@dailycardinal.com.
