14th of March is celebrated as the International Day of Action for Rivers. It started in 1997 in Brazil during the first International Meeting of People Affected by Dams and was initially adopted by 20 countries. It aims to raise awareness about destructive water development projects, reclaim the health of watersheds, and demand the equitable and sustainable management of our rivers. The International Day of Action for Rivers is a day for communities to come together and call for the protection of rivers worldwide.
Despite being vital to life on the planet, freshwater ecosystems are the most threatened in the world. Freshwater species have seen an 83% decline since 1970, which is twice the rate experienced by marine and terrestrial ones. They need to be cared for more than ever.
We understand the scale of the problem seems daunting and overwhelming. However, small, and local actions definitely make a difference and can influence others to do the same, scaling up conservation efforts. We have highlighted seven actions you can easily include in your routine that will effectively help rivers.
Save water
Reducing our water consumption reduces the amount of energy required to pump, filter, and heat it, as well as the amount of wastewater that goes into treatment facilities. Not to mention that it helps divert less water from rivers and streams and keeps the environment in balance. Fixing leaky faucets, fully loading the washing machine and dishwasher, and taking shorter showers are some simple ways of saving water.
Use eco-friendly cleaning products
If possible, swap your cleaning products for green alternatives. Cleaning products wash down the drain and can eventually make their way into rivers and streams. Eco-friendly products are safer for us and the environment as they’re usually made up of organic and biodegradable substances. Also, environmental-friendly cleaning companies tend to use plastic-free or recycled packaging.
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Posted On: 14/03/2024