I’m not an environmentalist. I’m an Earth warrior.
~Darryl Cherney, quoted in Smithsonian, April 1990
When my friend Lori shared her passion and commitment to The Water Project, I knew we, as gardeners, could help, too. Before we hear from Lori about her incredible journey to make a difference in many lives in Africa, I wanted to first share ways we can begin a personal Water Project in our own backyards.
Gardeners know all too well that water for our crops, landscapes and gardens is a precious resource. And, as we create more sustainable landscapes and gardens, we help conserve natural resources, like water. Following are sustainable practices to consider as we kick off the 2012 Gardening Season:
- Water harvesting by attaching a rain barrel to a downspout
- Thickly planted garden beds with trees, shrubs, and ground covers
- Beds planted along the edge of the road to slow and filter runoff
- Terracing to slow runoff and encourage infiltration
- Plant trees to create microclimates which reduce water usage
- Learning good soil management which encourages rainwater infiltration
- Mulching around tree trunks
And now, here’s Lori’s very compelling challenge and commitment to Africa.
The Water Project
By: Lori T. Williams
Imagine if you had to walk for six hours just to get a couple gallons of water, and had to do it again the next day. We take for granted all the clean water we use each day to drink, bathe, and wash our clothes, dishes, and cars.
On average, The Pokot women in Africa carry 40 pounds of dirty water for six hours each day to bring the water back to their village so their families can drink it and live. Without the dirty water, they die in a few days. With the dirty water, they die years later of various diseases.
Facts:
- There are 1 million people in need of clean water in Kenya
- It costs $21,000 per well, which provides clean water for 400 people for about 20 years
- This breaks down to a cost of $52.50 per person for a community of 400 to enjoy water from one well
- People in third world countries live on $2 a day or less
I have been moved beyond words, and into action. As a community, we can make a difference and provide CLEAN water to the residents.
I am part of Kensington Community Church and attend the Birmingham Campus. As a church, we are raising funds to install clean water wells for residents of the Pokot Tribe in the Republic of Kenya, Africa.
It is exciting for me to be able to partner with friends, family members, my business community, my church community, and my local and “virtual” community to truly make a difference to others and give the gift of life through water.
If you wish to learn more about this cause, please contact me through my website, Your Legal Resource. I’d love to hear from you!
Thank you,
Lori T. Williams, Owner/Managing Attorney of Your Legal Resource, PLLC
