::W A T E R::

The need for fresh water ranks among the most urgent environmental challenges of this century. Only 1% of the world's water can be used for human consumption. Yet it disturbs me that we seem to be doing everything we can to use up or pollute what little we have -- half of the global population will be living in areas of "acute water shortage" by 2030.  That is not far off.  Nor will it be far away.

I am a quilter and bagmaker.  I use cotton every day.  Since the textile industry is one of the largest polluters in the world, I go out of my way to use organic fabrics, including cotton, which require none  of the pesticides chemically treated fibers. The World Bank estimates that almost 20% of global industrial water pollution comes from the treatment and dyeing of textiles.

Waiting for water.......

Cotton production accounts for 2.6% of annual global water usage.

Remember this:  A single T-shirt made from conventional cotton requires 2,700 liters of water, and a third of a pound of chemicals to produce.

The idea of being without water.....for a whole population is a circumstance that I cannot wrap my mind around.  I grew up in suburbia and took water for granted.  In fact, when I was young, I was sure it was free.   Now we live in the country and depend on a well for our water.  This is not a subtle change by any means.  I am always aware of where my water comes from.  The Earth.  My Earth and your Earth.  Of which we are the ultimate stewards.  Together.