“If something isn’t given a value, people tend to waste it. Water is our most useful resource, but those using it often don’t even cover the costs of its infrastructure,” said Nestlé CEO Paul Bulcke, speaking in Stockholm for 2012 World Water Week, which concluded Friday. 

The key issues this year: water and food security, followed by partnerships, tools and data. The water-food-energy triangle was key at the 2011 Bonn Nexus Conference, but the key the difference this year, according to an essay penned by David Grant, SABMiller's senior director of water risk and partnerships, for the Guardian, “was the progression of the issue from a broad theoretical concept to actually seeing practical examples of how it is being both experienced and addressed on the ground.”

Grant added, “It has been encouraging to hear of projects being implemented that not only demonstrate understanding of the link between the issues but also the recognition that we can no longer tackle resource challenges in silos.” But will they go far enough, soon enough? Promoting and monitoring sustainable water practices with partners along the supply chain is vital, as Nestlé's CEO argues.Continue reading...

Waterborne illness is the second leading cause of preventable childhood deaths worldwide, killing an estimated 4,000 children every day. That's why the UNICEF Tap Project, now in its sixth year, is asking thousands of volunteers, restaurants, partners and individuals to protect young lives with safe, clean water.

A donation of $1 for a glass of tap water during World Water Week, March 19-25, at participating restaurants across the U.S. will give a child clean, safe water for 40 days, or 40 children safe water for one day. 

“Many of us consume and use safe, clean water every day without thinking twice. Meanwhile, in communities across the globe, disease can spread with lethal swiftness for the millions of children and adults who lack access to a safe water source and adequate sanitation,” said President and CEO of the U.S. Fund for UNICEF Caryl Stern. “Today, for too many of the world’s children, clean water can mean the difference between life and death.”Continue reading...