Schools took part in a variety of fun activities on Tuesday and Wednesday to celebrate UN World Water Day 2016 on Tuesday 22nd March. The international day is an annual event that sees children across the world taking part in educational activities to highlight the importance of water.
In support of the celebrations, Nestlé Waters and Project WET, a non-profit organisation whose mission is to educate children, parents, teachers and the community about the vital role water plays in our lives, teamed up to teach children about water stewardship and healthy hydration
The activities came as Nestlé Waters released new poll results showing that young people are half as likely as their elders to take steps to conserve water. On average 44% of 18-24 year olds are likely to take action to preserve water, in comparison to 82% of 65+ year olds.
Residents in Yorkshire are amongst those in the UK least likely to take steps to conserve water in their region. Despite over 90% of the respondents to the survey acknowledging the role water plays in our bodies through healthy hydration, a third (29%) of Yorkshire and Humberside residents do not feel that they know the steps they can take to conserve water.
The Project WET programme, designed by over 300 leading educators, is delivered to schools across the world. It aims to inspire a lifelong respect for water, including simple steps we can take in the home. These include:
Turning off the tap – By turning off the tap while you brush your teeth in the morning or before bedtime, you can save up to 36 litres of water!
Taking a shower, rather than a bath – Taking a shower uses much less water than filling up a bath.
Choosing when to water the garden – The best time for you to water a garden is early in the morning or later in the evening when it’s cool outside.
Dusting off the bucket and sponge – When washing your bike or the car; try using a bucket and sponge instead of a hose.
Put it in the bin – Don’t throw litter into rivers, lakes or oceans. Help clean up any litter you see on beaches or in rivers and lakes.
Sian Chapman, Head of Communications and External Relations at Nestlé Waters said: “While I am delighted that 91% of respondents to today’s poll understand the importance of healthy hydration to their bodies, the results also show the need for us as a society, and a business, to continue to share our knowledge and expertise of water with the wider community – and what better day to do so than World Water Day! Through our partnership with Project WET we are proud to raise awareness about the importance of water conservation and hydration to young people and provide them with the knowledge they need to secure a sustainable future.”
