Saint Vincent de Paul from the 17th century continues to speak through us, the Daughters of Charity, as he encourages us to be a voice for the voiceless. We speak for those who have few choices or no options, and cannot make their cries heard in boardrooms or in Washington.

A Stance on Bottled Water

As one steps back and reflects on some of the things we take for granted, water would surely be high on the list.  Most of us don't think twice about the luxury of taking showers, doing laundry, watering plants, cooking, using the dishwasher, filling the kiddie pool . . . and many of us have become part of the "carry-my-bottled-water-with-me- wherever I go" culture. 

Selling water is a multimillion dollar industry. The privatization of water has a ripple effect throughout the world. The production of bottled water uses vital natural resources. Fossil fuels are consumed, the environment is damaged, electricity is consumed. The packaging and bottles frequently end in landfills, putting greater stress on a limited resource. Water is privatized and becomes expensive. For the price of one bottle of bottled water, 1,000 gallons of tap water can be purchased for home consumption.

Water Facts

• 98% of water on the planet is salt water!
• Less than 1% of freshwater is available for our use!
• Almost 1.1 billion persons have no access to clean water
• World population will increase by 4% in next 30 years; freshwater wastage will increase by 10% if current trends continue.

Our Position

Because of the negative impact of privatization of water on poor persons throughout the world, the Daughters of Charity Emmitsburg Province have taken a corporate stance on bottled water.

Take a minute to think about what you might do to conserve water in your own life, and by cultivating this consciousness, remember the people and places throughout the world that have little or no access to clean water. Consider reducing your use of bottled water to only necessity. Conserve as a means of solidarity with the world's poor.

For continued information on advocacy issues supported by the Daughters of Charity Emmitsburg Province as well as our efforts on behalf of the poor, please join our email list.