Graphic designed by Jesse O. Walls | Executive Editor of New Media
There are more than 782 million people around the world who don’t have access to clean water, even in developed countries like the U.S., Australia and parts of Europe.
James Walls
Campus News Editor
The ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, while raising money for its charity, is a waste of a natural resource. Approximately 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered by water, but only a meager one percent of that is fresh water that we can drink.
So why is it that so many Americans find it perfectly fine to waste this limited supply by pouring it over their heads in so-called charity?
Charity is about giving to someone or some cause, not just giving a bad impression to countries where clean water is scarce.
According to water.org, more than 780 million people across the world are without access to clean water, and nearly 3.4 million people die yearly from water-related diseases due to the lack of clean water. Therefore, imagine the impression America is making by its wastefulness, even if it is for a charity such as ALS that helps treat people with Lou Gehrig’s disease. After all, does donating to a charity really require misusing such a limited resource?
Despite how America seems to have an over-abundance of fresh water, the truth is we are not without our limits. According to epa.gov, the U.S. is using its fresh water supply faster than it is recharging its groundwater. And with the current droughts across the U.S., the situation is not getting any better for us.
So remember, charity is not about wasting something, but instead about giving something. We must stop misusing our water supply, but not ignore ALS. It is alright to give to this charity, but one must also recognize the impact this challenge has on the environment and the people around the world. Therefore, next time, donate to those in need, but do not waste what others around the world are dying to have.
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