All you need to know about…

giving happiness global impact

Start Giving for World Water Day – Every Give Counts

World Water Day is almost here. On March 22nd, the entire world will focus on fresh water, raising awareness of the global water crisis and the importance of water for human prosperity. Globally, more than 2 billion people lack access to safe drinking water, and 1 in 9 people do not have clean water close to home. Fresh water is one of our most important natural resources. The average North American family uses about 300 gallons of water a day. We can reduce this number dramatically and save hundreds of gallons of water per week by changing small habits. World Water Day is a call to action to do our part and make a difference. Start planning your daily planet gives around ways to conserve water and save our planet.

Pack your reusable water bottles and totes – Start refusing single-use plastics today

Only a tiny percentage of plastic is ever recycled, and plastic that is recycled is made from fossil fuels, leaves a huge carbon footprint and leaches toxins into food and drinks. Single-use plastics like straws, bags, wrappers and bottles pollute our oceans, kill marine animals and require a minimum of 450 years to biodegrade. If you can only do one thing, right now, to protect the earth and its water, change your habits when it comes to single-use plastics. Always bring reusable totes when shopping, only use reusable water bottles and don’t forget your reusable straw too.

Meatless Monday anyone? – Eat sustainably to give back to the environment

Eating a plant-based diet is not just good for our health, it’s good for the earth’s health too. Did you know that in one year, animal agriculture creates just as much carbon emissions as the entire transportation sector? Rearing animals for meat and dairy is also incredibly water-intensive. Producing one pound of beef requires between 2000 – 8000 gallons of water, whereas a pound of tofu takes only 302 gallons to produce. Now imagine the water and carbon emissions that could be saved if everyone gave up meat and dairy products at least one day a week. Start with Meatless Mondays and expand from there. Give back to the earth by adopting a plant-based diet.

Use water efficiently in your home – Every drop really does count

Only use dishwashers and washing machines when you have a full load. Install energy-efficient appliances, water-saving toilets and showerheads. Take short 5-minute showers. Don’t let the faucet run while you rinse your vegetables, soap your hands, or brush your teeth and teach your kids the importance of turning off faucets tightly after using. Be water smart at home and play your part.

Conserve water outside too – Give back by the bucketload

Water your garden smart, not often. Many gardeners don’t realize that when watered efficiently, gardens only need watering once a week. Save time, money, and water by watering only in the early morning or evening to reduce evaporation. Direct water not on leaves or foliage where it is most likely to evaporate, but towards the soil, so water goes straight to the roots where it’s needed. By cutting down the number of days you water your garden to only 1 or 2 days a week, you have the potential of saving 800 gallons a week. Better yet, practice rainwater harvesting at home and save even more.

Neighbourhood gives that save water – Your neighbours and your planet will thank you

Give your neighbourhood a water-free facelift. Sweep off your neighbours’ sidewalks, driveways, paths and steps. Eliminate the chance of these areas being needlessly cleaned with water. And while you’re beautifying the neighbourhood, spread the water-conservation word. Tell your friends and neighbours about World Water Day, why you’re pitching in and ways they can do their part to conserve water in your community.

Speak up about saving water at your organization – Plan gives and a party too!

Make suggestions to your employer, school or household about ways to save both water and money too. Better yet, create a goal of how much water your classroom or company can save and plan a fun event once that goal is met. Have a party and make water conservation something worth celebrating.

World Water Day Should Be Every Day! Conserving water not only preserves the environment, but it also strengthens communities, guards against rising water costs and prepares for future droughts. Don’t waste water. Join The 365 Challenge. Sign up for your free 365give membership and find out how giving every day really can change the world. Let’s make the world a better place one give at a time.

What people are saying about 365give

“I wanted to express my gratitude for the teaching you provided today. Your message was delivered eloquently, compassionately, and without judgment. The kids were engaged, and now have knowledge with which they can change the world. We all appreciated how you took the time to help us learn to build positive mindsets and practice happiness.”
Shelley Gardner, Grade 6 Ridgeview Elementary (West Vancouver)
“Actions really do speak louder than words, which is why I believe the 365give Challenge has resonated throughout my community. Every give we do is so important to us and leaves us happier and appreciating our lives a little bit more than before.”
Mahina Niyozova (Tajikistan)
“After watching the 365give TEDx Talk, I was inspired to join and begin a daily giving program in India. Today, along with 12 other volunteer women, we provide 100 meals to local underprivileged children in Bangalore for school every day.”
Deepika Ahuja, Mom (Bangalore, India)
“My life has greater meaning now.”
Renate Jorge, @BeKindBrazil and 365give Member, Family Program (Brazil)
“I just wanted to share that 365give really helped me. I am a better person now, thank you.”
MayLee, 365give Member, Individual Program
“This 365give Challenge has really injected excitement and extra enthusiasm in each work day as I think about what we can do. It has motivated me and the students.”
Cristina Peters, School Counselor (New York City, USA)
“I have seen a huge shift in energy throughout my classroom since doing the 365give Challenge. The Challenge has empowered my students to make a positive difference in the school’s community and beyond.”
Cella Adriana, Special Needs Educator /The Holliswood School (New York City, USA)
“The 365give Challenge helps students understand their impact on others. It opens avenues for introducing and discussing global and local issues in classrooms. It is powerful to watch students of all ages think about how they can make a change in another person’s life with one small act.”
Jessica Hall, Primary Teacher, French Immersion at École Pauline Johnson (West Vancouver, Canada)