Water and the other natural resources that we consume are the wealth that needs to be left to future generations. Indeed, water sustains all life on this planet. Unfortunately, water systems all over the world are under threat due to pollution caused by human activity. Changing weather patterns have created severe drought, heatwaves and lack of rain, causing rivers to dry up drastically all over the world. The earth's natural ecosystems have suffered as well, reducing fresh water reserves. Drinking water in many areas is becoming scarce. It turns out that the way we farm, our energy choices, and many daily activities impact the world's water supply. Without a doubt, water is one of our most precious resources. Fortunately, there are many things we can do to conserve it.

In the Q4 2021 GreenFriend’s newsletter, we published the Water Bucket Challenge and asked readers for their experience or learning from taking the challenge. Charles Lucas, residing in Southern California, shared his experience with us.

(*Vijayadashami marks the culmination of Navaratri, the nine days of worshiping God in the form of the Divine Mother. Navaratri is a time of sadhana, of conquering our inner negativities to gain greater willpower and self-control, of awakening the right knowledge from within. Vijayadasami, 'the tenth day of victory', marks the successful completion of this occasion.)

While I feel that my efforts overall did little to earn any divine grace in this regard, as Amma says, “If we take one step toward God, God will take ten steps toward us”. With that in mind, let me share my reflections on the steps I took. In planning my personal Water Bucket Challenge, I chose to focus on three areas:

• Mechanical interventions
• Metabolic/consumption interventions
• Devotional interventions

Mechanical Interventions

Mechanical interventions included using a cup to rinse after brushing my teeth instead of letting the tap run, washing my face with just one handful of water, flushing solids only, and taking "Swedish showers" (only running the water to moisten and rinse the body of soap). I also avoided all plastic bags including food sold in plastic bags, and disposable coffee cups. I consolidated laundry to one load, reused water I used for cleaning veggies and soaking beans in the garden, and filled a soaking bowl in the sink to reduce water waste through drain off.

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Metabolic/consumption Interventions

I researched multiple metabolic/consumption interventions for possible future adoption. First, I explored the benefits of eliminating tea and coffee from my diet. At a physical level, both are diuretics. By eliminating tea and coffee, one needs less water, and one uses that water more efficiently. At an ecological level, tea and coffee products are often shipped over long distances and are mostly grown using plantation-style labor and pesticides.