'4Liters Challenge' Addresses Water Poverty and Conservation

According to a recent article by Derek Markham of Treehugger, "[the] average American uses about 400 liters of water per day at home, even in regions where drought and water scarcity are fast becoming the norm. That figure is well above what's considered to be the minimum for human needs—about 50 liters per day—and yet water is still so cheap and accessible in most municipalities that it's easy to use (and waste) way more than we need."

The Los Angeles based non-profit DIGDEEP launched their second 4Liters Challenge this week to bring these facts to light. In the first challenge last year, 602 participants raised a total $17,400 toward sustainable clean water projects, water access advocacy, and educational projects. This year's challenge began on October 6th and runs the entire month. Participants are asked to use on four liters every 24 hours and raise $40 for the cause. In addition, participants can challenge four other friends to also take part in the challenge.

The 4Liters website offers a free multidisciplinary curriculum for educators to discuss water, poverty, and human rights with their students. The 4Liters Challenge is incredibly pertinent as parts of the United States are nearing water shortages and residents need to rethink their usage habits.