We live on a Water Planet.
It is a unique place in that it is the only planet we know of that supports life.
And in our case, that life is nurtured and sustained by water.
Vital to all life on Earth, water moves through our world in a constant state of flux. Cycling endlessly through ecosystems, flowing under the poles and through the atmosphere, changing states, laying waste to entire regions or achieving perfection in the shape of a single snowflake - water is a mystery and a miracle, a source of conflict and a cause for celebration, a blessing and, in its absence, a curse.
Blue Legacy is an initiative started by Alexandra Cousteau. The mission of Blue Legacy is to tell the story of our water planet to the world, to inspire people to take action on critical water issues in meaningful ways and to help shape society’s dialogue to include water as one of the defining issues of our century and the primary vehicle through which climate change will be felt.
Read more about the programs of Blue Legacy.
My grandfather passed away in 1997, my junior year of college. It feels like an eternity since we lost him and the environmental degradation that continues to claim our oceans is a constant reminder of his absence. Fortunately, his last book, "The Human, the Orchid, and the Octopus" has recently been released. My grandfather's voice comes through so clearly that it feels like he has come back to us through this great achievement- his last opus. I believe that this last testament represents, better than anything else could, his true legacy to the world. What a fine tribute and fitting farewell to the planet he devoted his life to preserving.
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You grew up on a dude ranch in Wyoming, arguably one of the more beautiful spots on Earth. What inspired you to leave and start traveling the world?
During my eighth-grade year, I traveled to East Africa for a couple months with my grandparents. Living in a cow-manure hut with the Masaai tribe, I discovered a deep love for Third World countries, and this type of exotic adventure far from my comfort zone. It was in Africa where I caught the travel bug, and my desire to see new places, meet new people and learn about cultures and creatures has only increased with time. My heart is always in the mountains of Wyoming, but I feel at home around the world.
Are you blue enough??
We all use water throughout our day... but how much is too much? The H2O Conserve Water Calculator is designed to help you measure how much water you use, better understand the ways you use water in your daily life, and get you thinking about what you can do to use less.
Calculating your "water footprint" gives you an estimate of the total amount of water you use in your home as well as the water that is used to produce the food you eat and the products you buy. Your water footprint also includes other factors such as the water used to cool the power plants that provide your electricity, and the water that is saved when you recycle. You may not drink, feel, or see this water, but it makes up the large majority of your water footprint.
It is important to understand that the H2O Calculator relies on national averages and approximations, and since not everyone's lifestyle is "average", your results should be considered an estimate of your water use and not a scientifically accurate assessment.
It has been said that we choose our joys and sorrows long before we experience them. As we look towards the future, our dwindling water resources may reflect just how true this is.
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