Want to help change the life of someone this summer?

• 1 child dies every 20 seconds due to waterborne disease.
• 1.8 million children die from diarrhea every year.
• Clean water is a health, education, woman’s, and economic issue.
• Providing clean water transforms lives, families and communities.

Want to help bring clean water to the world – join a WATERisLIFE Team!  Experience the Thrill!

Check your schedule – and join WATERisLIFE for filter distribution, hygiene education and sustainable clean water solution projects and research.  This is the year for you to jump in and make a difference – even in the life of one.

KENYA

Wednesday, April 13 – Saturday, April 23, 2011 – FULL

Kisumu and Kakamega, Kenya

Pump Repair, Hygiene Education, School Water Project Analysis

$3,300*  includes RT international airfare to Nairobi

GHANA

Wednesday, July 27 – Saturday, August 6, 2011 - CLOSED

Accra, Tamale – Tolon-Kumbungo District, Ghana

Filter Distribution, Hygiene Education, Sustainable clean water research

$3,200*  Includes International RT airfare to Accra

HAITI

September 2011 – CLOSED

Cap Haitian, Limbe, Northern Haiti villages, Las Cayes

Filters distribution, Hygiene Education, Well Drilling

$1,500*  includes RT airfare Florida to Cap Haitian

Please email jenny@waterislife.com for additional information.

To get started please submit  WiL Team Application

*  Cost includes international airfare, in-country airfare, lodging and ground transportation.  WiL Team Application

WATERisLIFE is excited to announce that 2,000 additional filters will be distributed in Northern Haiti, Feb 15-22.  The team will join a medical team and will share cholera prevention information, host important hygiene training and distribute WiL filters.

15,000 filters have been distributed in Haiti since the devastating earthquake hit over one year ago and the life-saving filters have brought clean water to thousands during the deadly cholera epidemic which began in late October 2010.  The filters will continue to provide Haitians with clean water for up to one year.

We are so thankful to WiL donors for providing the much needed funds to the provide filters to Haiti – specifically at such a critical time when they are needed most.  The WiL filter removes the cholera bacteria – vibrio cholerae – which is killing thousands in Haiti, and a majority of these are children.  Water sources all over the country have been contaminated and this is a reliable source to obtain clean, uninfected water to drink.

The 2,000+  filters will be distributed in the Northern Haiti area through a medical team and partner organizations.

“We are excited to get back into the field and get filters where they are needed now, and are pleased that we can distribute the filters quickly and provide assistance as soon as donor dollars are received.   Keep the dollars coming in…and we will continue to get filters into the field.”  -  Ken Surritte, WiL Founder

WiL Gear now available!

Order your standard T-shirt or V-neck in a variety of sizes.  Also available cool, comfortable and adjustable WiL Military Style caps – great field gear!

WiL Shirts – $20.00

WiL Caps – $15.00

Place your order request  http://waterislife.com/about/contact-us/

Sizes may be limited.  Place your order now  -  WiL gear will go quickly!

WATERisLIFE Founder, Ken Surritte and Water Projects Director, Mark Bender talk about the incredible importance of continuing to bring clean water to Haitians.  Check it out!

http://www.news9.com/Global/story.asp?S=13808903

Frutzner Domelus is the eldest son in a family of seven in Haiti.  He hand dug this well in his family’s front yard.  His father worked to earn the money to dig the well and create the cement work around it.  The family shares the water with many neighbors and friends who live in their community.  Frutzner is very proud of the family well…but there is only one problem.   The well has only been dug to approx. 25 feet and we worry that the water is contaminated, as the clean water is located at approx 80 feet.  Also, without a a sealed lid/pump, bacteria can enter thru normal daily use.  With the cholera outbreak  - and the river systems carrying the Vibrio Cholerae bacteria – we worry about the cleanliness of the water for their community.

It was a Wednesday in Limbe, Haiti.  The cholera numbers were quickly climbing to epidemic proportions.   We spent the afternoon at Bon Samaritan Hospital.  I sat with a mother and her daughter on their cot in quiet.

They are from the Limbe area and the mother, and her two children arrived at the hospital on Sunday evening. They had ingested contaminated water.   Upon arrival, all three were extremely dehydrated and very sick.   On Monday midday, Adlner, the young boy of 4 died on the cot from dehydration.  Now it’s Wednesday – mother and her 6 year old daughter were regaining their strength and now preparing to deal with the loss of the little one.

I gave them each a WiL filter to take home.  I know for sure they will not be back in the hospital now that they have a filter to drink from.  But what about those that are not getting filters and must continue to drink contaminated water?  What will they do?  What can we do?

‘All the statistics in the world can’t measure the warmth of a smile.’  quote from Chris Hart in Here’s To You.

While in Haiti this past few months the WiL team saw hundreds of children suffering in hospitals with cholera, many small caskets entering the one and only cemetery, and thousands of families worried that the impending cholera outbreak is looming over those they love.

It was clearly evident that WATERisLIFE filters are a true life-saver and seem the only prevention right now.  Once cholera is ingested – it hits children rapidly.  Dehydration can occur within hours and when – and if – they receive medical attention, their tiny veins have collapsed and it is a challenge for the over worked and exhausted medical staff to put in an IV.  The statistics will continue to grow…and the smiles from the children’s faces continue to haunt the team.  So much need for filters – a simple solution that can help now.

Many in Haiti are forced to drink from rivers, specifically in rural areas.  Even though the word was quickly passed that the rivers were becoming infected with vibrio cholerae bacteria many still needed to, and continue to drink water each day.  The cost of charcoal to boil the water is more than many families may have each day – and therefore, water is not boiled before it is ingested.  Haitians bath, wash laundry, and children play in rivers.  Ingested water is the culprit.  In addition, good hygiene habits need to be practiced daily – washing of hands when caring for someone infected, before cooking and eating and bleaching fruits and vegetables.  Education is key.

During Hygiene Training classes, Haitians asked many questions regarding the disease;  how did their country become infected, how can they prevent the disease, can rum cure cholera, do they need to quarantine people infected in their villages?  Cholera is new to Haitians, and they are hungry for education and are truly desiring to prevent it’s further spread.

The quick on set of dehydration from cholera can affect someone’s health within hours.  And with many living in rural areas, with no medical facilities – time is of the essence in rehydration and medical care.

Thousands have been infected, thousands more will die.  WATERisLIFE personal filter can truly protect people that continue to drink from contaminated water sources, because they have no other choice.

The cholera epidemic will not go away soon.  But with prevention tools, education and proper hygiene – cholera can be contained – with a substantial savings of lives.  An outbreak of cholera in Africa has taken almost three decades to contain.  With the number of NGOs and Aid in Haiti – in partnerships, surely we can provide the tools to stop the number of those drinking contaminated water.

It is the warmth of the children’s smiles that remind the WiL team everyday.  And there is no way to measure that.

We are starting something very exciting.  A chance for you to create your own fundraiser for WATERisLIFE.

WiL Volunteer Mark Bender decided to make 2010 an important year.

WHAT DID YOU DO THIS YEAR?

Driving your dream car?  Took an amazing vacation?  Added a fabulous pool?  Saved 15,000 lives in Haiti?

WATERisLIFE – How your dollars will make an impact this year

FILTERS

WATERisLIFE supplies portable water filters – only $10 each – to communities in dire need of clean water in 31 countries worldwide.

HYGIENE CLINICS

Teaching health and hygiene is a life-saving opportunity.  The simple understanding of germs and handwashing can drastically change behaviors and transform communities.

LONG TERM WATER

WATERisLIFE focuses on creating sustainable clean water sources long-term.  Not only is the abundance of water important, but that the water remains clean.

Make this the year you do something incredibly important…make a direct impact with your donation dollars

and save lives.

Your tax-deductible donation can be made by credit card at http://www/waterislife.com/about/donations

or by mail;

P.O. Box 7481,  Edmond, OK  73083

Message from Wil Founder, Ken Surritte

2010 has been an amazing year.  Thousands of lives have been changed.  In Haiti alone over 15,000 filters have helped to save the lives after this year’s earthquake and during the cholera epidemic – and thousands more around our world need help.  It’s very simple;  the water crisis is real.  The world needs clean water.

Clean water helps create healthy children, healthy children can attend school, and education will transform communities.  We need your help.

What will you do in 2011?

Fredline, Youseline and Kerlin are orphans in Haiti. Three beautiful, amazing, generous children, giving back. In circumstances that we would find frustrating, sad and emotional – these three children were driven to help during the cholera outbreak this year. With the earthquake, hurricane, cholera epidemic and political unrest in Haiti – they continue to share thier hearts with others. These little ones know the importance of clean water and understand that without it, their lives are in jeopardy. A large part of our global population – nearly 1 billion – does not have access to clean water. With your help, WATERisLIFE can bring filters to those in immediate danger, provide healthy hygiene training and provide people with an abundant supply of clean water – worldwide.

OKLAHOMA OWASSO TEAM HOLDING TIGHT DURING HAITI RIOTS

The Owasso Team from Oklahoma , currently in Haiti working and distributing hundreds of WATERisLIFE water filters have reported that they are doing well during this political chaos and rioting.   They are safe and confined to the compound, as their ground team is telling them it is not good to go out.  The ground team appreciates all that the Owasso Team is doing, but they would rather them be able to come back and do more good than to sacrifice their lives. The team is reporting that the Haitians are extremely upset about the elections, and the airports have been closed again.

The Owasso team respects the Ground Team’s wishes – but, as you can imagine, they have heavy hearts as they want to go out and do their work.  They will work around the compound doing maintenance, repair a well across the street and may help build pews for the church down the street.

Keep up the great work Owasso Haiti Team – we are all praying for you and the work you have before you.  Stay safe, and thank you so much for your dedication to bringing clean water and help to those so much in need in Haiti.  Everyone is so grateful for your sacrifice!

SAVEaLIFE Benefit Concert featuring CedEnough

Saturday, December 18th from 2 – 4 p.m.

Chick-fil-A in Moore, Oklahoma

presented by WATERisLIFE and CHURCH BOY ENTERTAINMENT

www,waterislife.com      www.churchboy.com

Just got a text message from teams on the ground in Haiti. All flights into Cap Haitian are canceled. Roads are blocked with tires set on fire and looters. ALL travel in and out of Haiti on hold.
Bender’s are stranded there for now. Medical team due to arrive tomorrow is canceled. Pray for safety for our team and others in Haiti.

Text message from Bender’s on Camp experience. “Camp Coq village clinic was chaos today. Cholera outbreak has driven Haitians to fight for WiL filters. The definition of filter distribution in Haiti changed today.”
Another text message: “CHAOS…cholera sending everyone into fighting mobs. People know we are here in Haiti and have filters. Scary, but all well. Had good protection. Box of 100 filters grabbed by a helper who ran. Better than taking all of them. Hopefully they will get into the someone who needs them hands.”
Another update: “No pics today-too unsafe at the moment. They would have taken our cameras.”
Thanks for your help in getting the filters into the hands of thousands of Haitian families.

The following is a series of text messages sent from the Bender family at ground zero of hurricane Tomas in Haiti. “Weather is clearing slightly here – has been raining since 9 pm last night. Roads a mess…need my rubbers to walk around!! Girlz awake until late last night under their mosquito nets worried. They like to all sleep together:). They are persevering with smiles considering all that we are contending with. The hardest part is not knowing situation as there is no communication/media access. Everything is word of mouth or text messages from phone companies. Thousands rebelled and would not evacuate as they truly believed it was a false story and they would loose what little possessions they had. And they would loose the only home they have – a tent. The rains will definitely increase cholera situation – and what is most needed is clean clean water. It’s the only answer. WiL Working with hospital Bon Samaritan to distribute filters to families of cholera patients today and tomorrow. Mother and daughter both have cholera from water – the younger child, Adlner age 4, died here on Monday. If only we had been able to get the family a filter for clean water sooner.”

The WATERisLife Haiti Relief Team will soon depart for Haiti.  The team will bring more filters, Health and Hygiene Training and long term water solutions to 23 villages in Northern Haiti.  They will report back on each village as they make progress week to week. Each village will have names, faces and smiles along with stories of struggles for obtaining clean water on a daily basis.  The Villages will need partnership to continue the progress to bring a sustainable clean water source to their communities – Incredible opportunity to be able to save lives and transform communities.  Find out how you can be a part of bringing clean water to thousands around the world and to follow the Haiti Relief team’s work;

www.facebook.com/joinwaterislife

Thanks for your help! We are sending over two thousand more filters to Haiti, tools, and a generator to Haiti.  Heading up the work of filter distribution, well drilling, pump repair and hygiene training will the be Mark, Kristine, Picabo and Liv.  They will be hosting other teams that will join them in the next few months. Boxes of filters and other supplies are setting in Ft. Pierce Florida at the staging area for the flight in a few days.  Thank you for your help!

Bridgeway Church in Oklahoma City, OK will be sending 240 WATERisLIFE filters to a village in Haiti with a WATERisLIFE team this October and November.  The village will receive the WiL Filters, Hygiene and Sanitation training and the WiL team will research a long term clean water source for their village.  The village is located in Northern Haiti.

Thank you to all at Bridgeway Church for your work on this fundraising project – and WATERisLIFE looks forward to bringing you photos and stories from your partner village in Haiti.

Kristine and Mark Bender, along with their daughters, Picabo, 15, and Olivia, 12, will volunteer in Haiti for 10 weeks. The Verrado, Arizona family departs on Oct. 1.

The Benders are working with WATERisLIFE, an Oklahoma-based, non-profit organization that helps provide clean drinking water to people around the world.  Kristine and Mark are both Directors for WATERisLIFE and volunteering their time to serve those in Haiti.  Click on link below to Read More…

Read more: http://www.azcentral.com/community/swvalley/articles/2010/09/06/20100906swv-buckhaiti0908.html#ixzz0yty3Hrt0

10,000 water filters have been distributed in Haiti this year. Thousands more are needed as many in the Limbe area have limited access to clean water. It is critical to bring more filters to Haiti with the increasing demands for clean water.  Listen as Ray Vanslyke talks about the need for filters and clean water.  Ray, with his wife Bonnie have lived in Haiti for years and are the Directors at the orphanage located at the Barkman Center in Limbe, which is part of Grace Missions and Drop of Love Schools. Over the years Ray and Bonnie have become these children’s parents – providing support, love and guidance.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcTOOXCxVBM

WiL Ambassador schools AZ Attorney General & Democratic candidate for Governor, Terry Goddard

Senam Mallik is a student Ambassador for WATERisLIFE. She is a member of the Student Council at Verrado Middle School in Arizona, and will be working on a project to bring WiL filters and Health and Sanitation Clinics to India in the spring.

She and her WATERisLIFE team spent the day talking with guests at the India Independence Day Celebration in Phoenix, AZ. She was honored to introduce the WATERisLIFE filter to Arizona Attorney General and Democratic Candidate for Governor – Terry Goddard.  Her photo was published on Arizona Attorney General Terry Goddard’s Facebook page later that day!  Way to Change iT Senam. And good luck on the Verrado Middle School upcoming project to bring clean refreshing water to children in India!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=5247310&id=279869501440&ref=fbx_album

WATERisLIFE friend and partner William, will be heading to Liberia to work on a Living Water International project for six months. It is an answer to a prayer for him…and many in Liberia.  We wish him a fantastic journey, a safe journey and a journey that will allow him to share his amazing gifts with others.  He definitely will need our love, support and encouragement while he works, and we are confident that he dreams of staying long-term to continue his work with Liberian Nationals to bring clean water to so many in need.  Be well William, our thoughts and prayers are with you,  and we are inspired by your dedication and love for your brothers and sisters in Liberia.

17 million people have been directly impacted by the flooding in Pakistan.  That number raises everyday.

When a flood hits it creates all kinds of problems.  The most unique is that there is a lot of water but non to drink.  The sources of clean water are quickly contaminated by the rising levels of polluted water. Contaminating everything.  Water everywhere but not any to drink.

We are working with several organizations in Pakistan to get filters delivered into the hands of the local people in desperate need.  We need people who would be willing to help sponsor filters to send right now.  Please tell your friends and family that you think could help to go to: WATERisLIFE to sponsor filters.

Thanks!

EAVB_GVZTWLFAFX

WATERisLIFE Volunteer Mark Bender traveled to Guatemala this week to drill a well with the Living Water International team.  The well will be drilled in a community just outside of Antigua, Guatemala.  Thanks Mark – clean water on it’s way for many!

BE A PART OF THE PROJECT! A WATERisLIFE volunteer team will continue work in Haiti in October  - The team will distribute 5,000 WATERisLIFE filters, work in partnership with Haitians on Hygiene and Sanitation Training Clinics and create long-term clean water solutions thru well rehab and research drilling at schools.

Below are easy and tangible ways you, your office or group can rally to help support the team to ensure the work in Haiti continues - providing water to those desperately in need – now more than ever. Pick one thing and MAKE AN IMPACT ON OUR WORLD!

These costs are based on 23 project areas to be impacted by WATERisLIFE HAITI RELIEF

1.  Transportation Costs in Haiti – $1,500

2.  Food and supplies – $100 week (10 weeks total)

3.  Hygiene/Sanitation Training Materials – $400

4.  Refrigerator and Innvertor for WiL Team living space – $600

5.  Fans to keep the WiL Volunteer Team cool – DONATED

6.  Construction supplies for long-term Team quarters – $1,000

7.  Individual Pump Rehab – $200 per project/area

8.  Communication tools –  $400

9.  Generator for power – DONATED

10.  You can also donate WATERisLIFE Filters – each filter is only $10 – and lasts for up to one year.  These filters not only provide life-saving water – but create an opportunity for each of us to make a direct impact in Haiti and you can SEE YOUR DOLLARS IN ACTION!

Please consider helping support WiL HAITI RELIEF so that we all can continue to bring clean water to HAITI.  Feel free to contact us to be a part of this important and life-saving project.

Donate to WiL HAITI RELIEF http://waterislife.com/about/donations/

OKLAHOMA OFFICE – ken@waterislife.com

ARIZONA OFFICE – kristine@waterislife.com

Are you trying to find a summer activity for kids that will have a meaningful impact on others?

Why not host or organize a simple WATERisLIFE Change iT event to bring clean water to children in Haiti.  Your event or activity will bring filters and change to Haiti in October – and you they will see your donations in action!  Kids can organize a lemonade stand, car wash, summer dance or swim-a-thon, book sale, collect cans and recycle, ….so many fun ideas to keep kids busy,  and cool,  this summer.  How about an all night swim party!  Kids can collect change and it will go directly to bringing clean water to children in Haiti. Check out http://waterislife.com/projects/change-it/ for more information and to register for a fun summer  Change iT!  Program!

As parents,  it’s our responsibility to continually work at instilling values that will form our children’s futures.  We strive to teach manners, hygiene, academics, respect, responsibility, and the list goes on.  Amidst it all, life can get in the way and without a clear vision; it can keep us from teaching the lessons that ‘in the end’ matter most.

Your vision may be to reach out and to touch the lives of others.  Your vision may not only be to care about others - but to take action.

Take that step, teach your kids to take time and care to reach out and transform our world; one smile and one giggle at a time,  It truly could be a life-changing gesture for generations to come.

A WATERisLIFE team will be volunteering to work in Haiti for 3 months to continue the WATERisLIFE Haiti Relief project. WIth your help, WiL needs to raise an additional 5,000 filters to be distributed during that time. The team will continue working in 23 areas in Northern Haiti to provide WiL filters, Hygiene and Sanitation training clinics and researching and developing sustainable clean water solutions – which will help transform Haitian’s lives and communities. The team will also focus on distribution of filters, hygiene and sanitation education and water pump rehab in and around schools – as children are the hope for Haiti.

Each of you can help, one filter is only $10 – and lasts for up to one year. These filters not only provide live-saving water, but gives each of us an opportunity to make a direct impact with our dollars – which makes a significant and meaningful difference to thousands.

If 5,000 people each donate one filter – what a dramatic way to help our neighbors access clean water, and lead healthier lives. Consider implementing the Change iT program at your church, school, or office – our simple change can truly Change iT in Haiti! Making a difference and having so much fun along the way!

For more information on the Haiti Relief Project, and other ways that you or your organization could help, contact: ken@waterislife.com or kristine@waterislife.com

Alexandra Cousteau Tells Katie Couric, “The Thing Every Human Has in Common Is Our Need for Water”
The daughter and granddaughter of legendary ocean explorers, Alexandra Cousteau, 34, tells Glamour columnist Katie Couric why the world’s water—both on the seas and in your faucets—is in danger. But she also shows how we all can help.

June 28, 2010
by Katie Couric

Making waves: Katie and Alexandra chat in New York City.

Growing up, I remember watching The Undersea World of Jacques Cousteau, hosted by the legendary ocean explorer, and being captivated by his charming approach to environmental issues, not to mention his French accent. Now his granddaughter Alexandra, 34, an ecological advocate who’s been honored as a National Geographic Emerging Explorer, is carrying on his legacy. In July, she embarked on “Expedition Blue Planet,” a 100 day, 14,500-mile journey across our continent’s waterways to bring attention to the ever-worsening water crisis that exists right here at home. Clearly, the catastrophic oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico has been a wake-up call, but Alexandra’s message is that the ongoing threats to our most precious natural resource are potentially even more devastating. Our conversation has made me think about water in a totally new way.

KATIE COURIC: I want to ask about water in general. Obviously, clean water is important, but you’re talking about much more than that, aren’t you?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Yes. Recently I heard someone say that water is the ink that writes the poetry of life. That resonated for me. I learned to swim when I was three months old, shortly before my parents took me on my first expedition. When I was 7, I spent time with my grandfather in Monaco. We played this game at the aquarium where he was the king of this underwater realm, and I was the mermaid princess. He’d take me from one tank to the next and talk about the electric eels, sharks, little clownfish or beautiful seahorses and how all of these pieces fit together in this amazing symphony that supports life on our planet.

For those of us in the developed world, water is something that happens between the faucet and the drain. For those who don’t live in a place where water is readily available, it’s something you carry on your back for six kilometers, that makes your children sick, that is perhaps the hardest part of your existence.

KATIE COURIC: Something that can get you killed on your way to getting it for your family, if you live in a war-torn region.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Exactly. Water can be a blessing or a curse. Too often we make conservation about saving a whale, a coral reef or a marsh. But we don’t make it about saving life. The one thing that every single human being has in common is our need for water.

KATIE COURIC: Why is there a global water crisis? What is it?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: The global water crisis is most often referring to water and sanitation issues, but I believe it’s much more far-reaching than that.

KATIE COURIC: What do you think about the backlash that we’ve seen against the whole notion of climate change?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: It grieves me, because these issues aren’t political. They are about the quality of life of our communities. This country was built on the natural environment. It was built on forests and water and land and prairie. And we forget that. We take it for granted. And we mine and build and bulldoze and strip the land and pollute the waters and accept that as the price we pay for progress. In this country, the environment is still in the arena of politics, and it doesn’t belong there. It belongs in a space where we have mutual concern about the world that our children will inhabit.

KATIE COURIC: Some people may say, “Why should I care about the water crisis?”

I don’t think everyone understands how it affects them.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: We’re already seeing how water issues are affecting our communities at a number of levels. One is increasing scarcity. The Colorado River may experience water shortage in the near future.

KATIE COURIC: Because of climate change?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: And over-extraction. I think we don’t realize to what extent the abundance of water in this country is a complete illusion. People are experiencing increasing scarcity in both quantity and quality. There was a [2009] New York Times series “Toxic Waters” that shocked me. In West Virginia, coal [sludge] is actually getting into the water supply and women can’t bathe their children for too long because it’ll burn their skin and they’ll get open sores. These aren’t issues happening to “them” over there somewhere in the developing world. It’s happening right here. I think the most important thing people can do is to learn about their watershed. And it’s something no one knows. What is a watershed?

KATIE COURIC: Tell us, Professor Cousteau. What is a watershed? [LAUGHS]

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: A watershed is where our water comes from and where it goes. The Mississippi River watershed covers about 40 percent of the country, from Montana to Pennsylvania to Louisiana. But we also have local watersheds. I challenge people to learn about the one they live in, explore it, do a river or beach cleanup, find out what’s impacting the water that comes into their homes. And just using less in our home, teaching our children to turn off the tap when they brush their teeth.

KATIE COURIC: My children yell at me when I don’t. [LAUGHS]

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Also, it’s important to use biodegradable products. And cover our pools and water our lawns in the evening to prevent evaporation, to use car washes where they recycle the water rather than wash our cars in our driveway with toxic soaps that go straight into the sewage. Recycle our medication so it doesn’t end up in our own water supply; recycle motor oil. Motor oil that you put down the drain in Montana can end up in the Gulf of Mexico.

KATIE COURIC: People are so unaware of these things. I just don’t think it gets much attention.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: No. And that’s why we’re doing this expedition around North America for. We’re taking a 45-foot biodiesel bus. It was [Sen. John McCain’s] Straight Talk Express, actually. We’re recycling the Straight Talk Express.

KATIE COURIC: Are you renaming it?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Yes, we are.

KATIE COURIC: So I guess you’re not going to put “Drill, baby, drill” on the side. [LAUGHS] By the time this hits newsstands, God willing, the BP oil spill will be under control. What would you say the lesson to be learned from this is?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: That we need to de-politicize the issue and work together to find the most sustainable, renewable options. I really get frustrated when environmentalists say, “Corporations are evil,” or they say, “Energy producers are evil.” I think it’s distracting—

KATIE COURIC: And polarizing.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: And polarizing. I think everybody needs to have a seat at the table. A lot of corporations are doing amazing things, a lot of people are trying to find alternatives. If we’re going to successfully address these issues we need to do so in a way that is truly collaborative.

KATIE COURIC: You talked about memories of your grandfather. I’m so sorry to hear that your dad [oceanographer Philippe Cousteau, Sr.] died when you were just three.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: It was the defining tragedy of my life, and I think about him every day. But I was really fortunate, because my father was so extraordinary that he left a lasting legacy that graces my life and gives me constant inspiration. From that perspective, I’m an incredibly lucky girl.

KATIE COURIC: And it’s also wonderful that you were able to learn from and enjoy your grandfather, Jacques Yves-Cousteau, until you were 21 [He died in 1997].

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Yes. He was a magical, extraordinary man. He was a Navy captain; he made his own silent movies when he was 15. He was always the villain stealing the girl, driving away in the car. And he was a poet, an artist, a philosopher, a writer, a spy for the Resistance in World War II. He was infinitely curious about the world. He didn’t become the person we know today until he was in his 40s. He became an environmentalist when he witnessed the wholesale destruction of a place that we thought could absorb all of our waste, carelessness and ignorance. He tried so hard to help people understand that they are connected to the ocean even if they will never experience it, see it, smell it or feel it. He gave it meaning. He gave it a soul.

It hasn’t always been easy to be a woman in a third-generation, male-dominated legacy. But it’s been a really fun challenge.

KATIE COURIC: I guess you can’t imagine doing anything else. Okay, Glamour reader Paulina Appel wants to know, “Do you think there should be stricter regulations on offshore drilling because of the BP spill?” How about enforcing the regulations that are on the books? For starters.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: We could start with those, and probably revise them in light of what’s happened.

KATIE COURIC: And Glamour reader Julie Klejeski asks, “How do we balance the need to protect our environment with the reality of a civilization that relies on products like plastics?”

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Well, plastics are a huge problem. For decades, we have produced plastic products that remain in our landfills and oceans. We can’t ban them. It’s just not realistic. But we can invest more in recycling and proper disposal.

KATIE COURIC: And using refillable water bottles, right?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Yeah, but it’s not just plastic water bottles. The water footprint of a normal plastic water bottle is about two times the amount of water that’s in the bottle. The minute you put sugar in it, it’s about 140 times.

KATIE COURIC: Why?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: In every product, there is the actual liquid, but there’s also the amount of water that went into producing that liquid. So, for example, coffee has a huge water footprint, because, where it’s grown, it needs a lot of water for the plants, cleaning the beans, in the machinery, in the transportation.

KATIE COURIC: Are you telling me I can’t drink coffee?

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: No, no, no. I drink it all the time. Every product has a water footprint. The chair I might be sitting on—the water that watered the tree that the wood was taken from. If we start calculating all of that—

KATIE COURIC: It might make me go totally crazy.

ALEXANDRA COUSTEAU: Yes. [LAUGHS] It might. But it also gives us an opportunity to think about ways to minimize that footprint and offset it, by restoring the watersheds where the products are manufactured. Does that make sense?

KATIE COURIC: Yeah, it totally makes sense. You’re so eloquent. You’re a little poet yourself, missy.

>

Now that the media and many relief teams have departed Haiti, and the aftermath of the earthquake still prevails – helping Haitians obtain clean water is needed NOW more than ever. 5,000 FILTERS ARE NEEDED FOR HAITI BY OCTOBER 1, 2010

WATERisLIFE work has begun in Haiti – and now are drawn to do so much more.  WATERisLIFE has targeted 23 areas in Northern Haiti that are in desperate need of filters, hygiene training and long-term clean water sources.  The goal is to bring 5,000+  filters back to Haiti, as well as continue to provide them with the health and sanitation training and long-term clean water solutons.

WATERisLIFE team will be continuing the WiL HAITI RELIEF project in October, 2010. With your help we can raise 5,000 filters to be distributed to those desperately in need of clean water – a basic need.
A WATERisLIFE team recently visited Haiti to distribute thousands of filters and train community leaders – in partnership – on Health and Hygiene. The need in Haiti continues. A volunteer team will continue working in Haiti to provide WiL filters and tools which will help transform their lives and communities.
 
And you can help…each filter is only $10 – and lasts for up to 1 year. These filters not only provide life-saving water – but create an opportunity for each of us to make a direct impact in Haiti. DONATE NOW, and see your dollars in action!

Haiti. In the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere.  In a place stricken by natural disaster.  In a place without running water or consistent electricity.  In a place with voodoo and a challenged history…depair and hopelessness can easily prevail.

But somehow…through the eyes of perceived darkness, the bright smiles and sparkling eyes of the the children of Haiti gleem hope.  We saw the hope for the future of Haiti.  Kids being curious, and loving.  You can see hope.

The bright eyes and sparkling smiles of the children are the future of Haiti.

WATERisLIFE.com was so fortunate to share your gift of clean water with 5,000 while in Haiti.  With your help, WiL plans  to continue bringing filters, long term water solutions and Hygiene and Sanitation training to thousands more in need.  Providing clean water, and the knowledge of Hygiene and Sanitation solutions,  will allow children to remain healthy, attend school and bring hope to Haiti.

To view photos from WATERisLIFE’s most recent Haiti Relief Filter Distribution trip visit http://www.facebook.com/joinwaterislife

Women in Verrado, Arizona have hand made 91 baby blankets for mothers in need in Haiti.  The blankets will be delivered during the WATERisLIFE Haiti Relief Trip May 19th.

Thank you ladies for sharing yourselves with the little ones that will be born in the coming months. Your warmth is extending to many mommas and children in need!

3000 additional personal water filters will be distributed in Haiti next week.  WATERisLIFE team will distribute water filters to those in desperate need of clean water in the northern region of Haiti as victims flood in from devastated areas.  They will also provide Hygiene and Sanitation Clinics and research and finalize plans for pump rehabilitations – broken from the strain on already overburdened water supplies.  Waterislife is hoping to work with Living Water to assist in their pump rehabilitation efforts.

Kids in Oklahoma City area have been raising money since the earthquake in January, and are continuing to provide aide for the long term.  Donate $10 today, and the team will take your filter next week to Haiti!

Dear WaterIsLife:

Dana and Ryan collect cans from our neighbors and with the money they receive, they will be donating all to Water is Life, Change It Campaign for Odyssey Preparatory Academy!  They also watch after a cat named Woody on occasion and have donated a portion of their money to WIL.  Feel free to use the following picture in any way you can – pun intended!  (photo on www.facebook/joinwaterislife.com

Sincerely,

Debra Clements

 

 

 

Filters were distributed in the Kidiju and Chiga areas of Kisumu by the locale women’s group, Babyface.  They are an organized group of widows who care for each other, and their community’s needs.  

Additional filters were given to Babyface for distribution as the need arises in their villages.  These filters will help fight preventible waterborne diseases – Typhoid, Cholera, Dysentery and Diarrhea.  Children, the weakest members of villages, are the most vulnerable.  Babyface, with the help of Maisha Orphanage, will distribute where the need is greatest.  

As more filters arrive in Kisumu, one family from the United States understands the reality of the need after seeing photos from the field.  ”Wow, I’m tearing….that was far more powerful than I ever expected. Thank you…from all of us, everywhere. What a way to bring a nowhere gift, home to the heart. We DID make a difference. I get it…………”  Thank you to the Budnieski Family – Bob, Dani, Dylan and Chase for helping bring a basic need to children in Kenya – Maji ni Maisha, Water is Life.

Our most recent Hygiene and Sanitation Clinic – at Omungi School in Kisumu – was lead by a team of 3 Nationals (locals).  Kennedy put it best, ”  We are trainers of trainers, we need to go out and teach others.  Teachers aren’t teachers, until they teach.”  Very inspiring to those in the class.  20 leaders – men and women – from the community attended the two day seminar, and while waiting for the trainers to arrive – a mean game of Hangman ensued!

When we bring in a new project to a community, such as Hygiene awareness – we can assimilate our program into the community, showing first how WE make the changes.  We become role models and others will be interested to learn what we are doing.  Specifically they will be interested in  learning how we are keeping our families healthy.  To learn how you can partner with a community to provide WATERisLIFE.com life-saving water filters, a sustainable clean water source, and hygiene and sanitation training email kristine@waterislife.com.  You will be amazed at how your simple gift of partnership can transform the lives of a community.

 

WATERisLIFE.com is working in the Kisumu area of Kenya.  These are the Luo people and they speak the Dholuo language – as well as Swahili and English.  WATERisLIFE.com has distributed water filters, hosted Hygiene and Sanitation Clinics and drilled wells at Maisha Orphanage, Ayaru and Omungi Primary Schools, as well as a location in the Kidiju community in partnership with a local women’s organization – Babyface.  WIL has also completed a pump repair at Kidiju Primary which has approximately 500 children.  The water was ’spoiled’ so the children were unable to access water.  Clean, fresh water now flows.  

WATERisLIFE.com is now researching additional water projects in the Kisumu area – specifically in the Kano Plains area – in the sub locations of Mayena and Chiga. Email kristine@waterislife.com if you are interested in partnering with a village or sponsoring a project in this area.

Next week, the world will be celebrating Earth Day, but while many will be making efforts to reduce, reuse and recycle, Nickelodeon is putting the spotlight on another important issue, the global water crisis. On April 18, Nick News with Linda Ellerbee will be examining the topic in Your Thirsty World, a half-hour program in which kids in Honduras, Bangladesh, California and New Jersey talk about their water problems and what is being done to solve them. 

Many of us are used to being able to just turn on the faucet when we need a drink, however, one in five people do not have access to clean, safe drinking water. Water-related illness can cause sickness and death, and is responsible for killing almost four million people every year.

And while kids in Honduras and Bangladesh spend hours physically hauling or standing in line for water, this isn’t just a problem for developing countries — it’s happening in our own back yard, too. The water crisis is caused by politics, poverty and pollution, which are things that affect many regions, even in America. For instance, families in Central Valley, California cannot drink their tap water because fertilizer and pesticides have contaminated it. 

“Safe, clean water is not only a basic human necessity,” Linda says. “It’s a basic human right. Or ought to be. That’s what kids believe, and I agree.” Watch the eye-opening report on the global water crisis on Your Thirsty World, which premieres on Sunday, April 18, at 8:30 p.m. ET.

Want to help in a simple way?

Join Advances in Dentistry Fan Page on Facebook and they will donate $.50 towards a filter.  1,000 new fans=50 filters…pass the word to your peeps!

OPEN HOUSE SUNDAY MARCH, 28.

2PM-4PM

You are not going to believe this…Two home builders in Edmond, OK have offered to help with Haiti by donating the profits from the sell of three homes that they have completed.  Antonio Aparicio and Brent Wilson are local builders with an excellent flair for making a beautiful home.  If you are in the market for a new home and want to help with Haiti at the same time, maybe one of these homes is for you.  Below are pics and links with virtual tours.

If you are interested, please contact:  Melanie Chesser 405-330-2626

2051 Vaquero:

1956 Rivanna Way:

2007 Rivanna Way:

March 22 – World Water Day

WaterIslife.com Introduces the Change IT Campaign. Could you ‘find’ $1 in change in one year? Of course you can!   If each of us can ‘finds’ one dollar in change in one year – we can help solve this global pure water crisis and provide clean water to millions which will transform communities.

Water Is Life (www.WaterIsLife.com) is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a portable clean water solution to the world’s poorest nations. Water Is Life provides a device that’s in the form of an oversized drinking straw, which successfully filters contaminated water into clean drinking water. Water Is Life is launching a new campaign called “Change it”, on March 22, which is the international observance of World Water Day.  Water Is Life plans to carry their message – to turn loose change into clean drinking water – to schools, businesses, corporations, organizations and individuals across the country. The goal is that if everyone ‘finds’ $1 or more in spare change over the next 12 months – collectively, we can drastically change the lives of millions in need of clean water.  Each dollar will make a difference, and together, we can Change it!

Most people come across loose change everyday. Whether it’s a coin in a Target parking lot, under a couch cushion, or at the laundry mat, – one would be surprised how quickly it adds up. Once each person, group or organization has collected loose change they find over one year, they can go online to www.waterislife.com and make their contribution to Change it. The hope is that The Water Is Life Straw will offer a short-term solution to thousands in need of clean, fresh water. 

The cost is $10 per unit and it provides 3 liters of clean drinking water a day for one year. The Straws filter disease-infested water on the go, providing those who wear it around their neck the most basic need — clean water. The device is a multiple-stage filtering process. The first stage removes particles as small as 15 microns. The water then passes through a chamber filled with iodine crystals, killing bacteria and viruses. In the final phase, a fine charcoal filter removes the water of its bad taste providing clean, clear water. Despite utilizing state-of-the-art technology to filter the water, the Straw cost is only $10 – and surely each of us can raise $10 in change in one year.  This breakthrough Straw will give someone the relief of knowing they have clean, life-saving water anywhere.

Today 1.1 billion people do not have access to clean drinking water and 1.8 million people will die this year due to preventable waterborne diseases – Typhoid, Cholera, Dysentery and Diarrhea. Children – the weakest members of villages – are the most vulnerable, and 5000 are dying each day.

Ken Surritte, the founder of Water Is Life says, “What keeps me awake at night is that thousands of people will die today if they don’t have clean water. We have a solution, now we just need to get them in the hands of the people who desperately need them. It would ease a lot of hearts and minds to know they could drink from any water source available to them and not have to worry about deathly bacteria and disease.”

Water Is Life has distributed personal filters 27 countries including; North and South America, United Arab Emirates, Sub-Saharan Africa, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, China and most recently Haiti – and the world needs more.  One straw.  One Life.  It’s that simple.

Samples of the Water Is Life Straw, HD video and photography are available upon request.

Change it donations can be made, and additional information on the campaign can be found by visiting www.waterislife.com

One of my old friends came to me today and showed me something that he and his family did with their video camera…it BLEW ME AWAY.  I could go on…just watch it.  Thanks Stone Family!

Spectacular and life-saving news!  WaterIsLife.com is sending over 6500 filters to Port Au Prince, Haiti!  Thank you to the thousands of donors that are helping to bring clean water to those in need.  So many organizations, schools, churches and business have worked together to raise the funds so that others may have clean water today!

We know that by rapidly getting the www.WaterIsLife.com water filters into the hands of thousands in need, we can drastically help the area, and provide them with clean life-saving water until internal infrastructure and pumps can be repaired.  Prior to the earthquake, clean water was a huge issue for many Haitians, and with the aftermath just about to begin, the lack of clean water will become life-threatening to all there.

Please continue to support www.WaterIsLife.com Water for Haiti and visit http://waterislife.com/donate/ to fund a water filter for a Haitian child in need of clean water today.

Over 100 WaterIsLife.com water filters were distributed last week in the Village of Kurivohoyili, in the Tolon Kumbungo District in Northern Ghana.

These are the Dagomba people and they speak Dagbani language.  The chief of the village is Chief Braima Napari, and the Woman Leader we visited with is Alima Iddrisu.

 There is no school in the village, but approx. 30 of the 150 children attend a neighboring village school. This village accesses water from a damed area, and the women and children haul water 3x-6x per day.  The water is contaminated due to cattle and other animals sharing the water source.  

The village is excited to receive additional filters, and we are working to help create long-term clean water solutions, as well as provide health and hygiene assistance to Kurivohoyili.

All of the filters delivered had personal messages written on them.  Below are photos of filters donated by the Hayslett and Simmons families.  Each family composed a simple message on the filters, and they were hand delivered to children in this village.  It’s fantastic to know that your donations are in action and saving lives today!

Many days of travel, 13 hour bus rides, smiles, joy, 16 gifts of gratitude from Village Chiefs, two marriage proposals and a wicked case of African Diarrhea – mission accomplished!  

 

It’s not work when you love what you do!

Team Ghana returned with research and information on how you can help these 230+ villages in desperate need of clean water. If you are interested in helping to provide clean water to one of these villages visit:   http://www.waterislife.com/donate/  

Or if you are interested in joining us on a water filter distribution trip to Ghana – or other areas in need around the world visit:  http://waterislife.com/book-a-trip/ 

 

WaterIsLife.com field team visited Ghana to research 230 villages in need of clean water in the Tolon Kumbungu District of Northern Ghana.  Organized by Iddrisu Abdul-Aziz Boare (below left), WaterIsLife.com Program Coordinator-Ghana, the team was warmly greeted by the District Chief Iddi Manza, and his staff.  The Tolon Kumbungu District offers primary schools, two secondary schools, a police station, clinic and maternal health clinic.  The team visited eight villages to learn of their water needs, and how WaterIsLife.com could make an impact to transform these communities in the Northern District.

With additional help from Abdulai Lansah (above R), District Guinea Worm Coordinator, and many others,  the village visits were extremely successful in capturing data and information on the areas water crisis, and how WIL can provide assistance.

The team was able to meet with each village Chief, their Elders, as well as spend time with the community women leaders. In each village time was spent time at the water sources, understanding the water needs, discussing long term solutions and health and hygiene concerns.

WaterIslife.com will partner with many to supply personal water filters, help provide a long-term clean water solution and share health and hygiene support to each of these villages.  Once these basic needs are met, children can go to school, lead healthier lives – which will ultimately these transform communities.

Thank you to District Chief, Iddi-Manza, the District Director and their staff for their gracious welcome, and we look forward to working closely to help many villages obtain clean water and raise healthy children.

 

We have 3,600 filters in Haiti and en-route.  3,000 more will be ready for shipping at the end of the month.  We are at $45,000 raised for Haiti so far.  Your help has been critical to meeting the need with a response. Thank you for all your sacrifice.

We have many schools, businesses and organizations joining hands with us to bring more help to Haiti.  I hope everyone understands that as much as we would like to supply each group organizing fund raisers, filters, promo pieces etc. we can not afford to do this.  Our overhead is very low, no one is paid by Water Is Life, we have offices that are donated, and lots of volunteers who roll up their sleeves to help.  This way every donation each person gives goes to buy filters.  We have added a Media Kit link on the front page of the site where you can download pics, logos, banners, FAQ, Information sheets to help you in spreading the message.  You can go here download and print out hand outs, or put in your blog posts, emails, newsletters etc.

If you could do us a favor and Blog, Tweet, Email, Facebook your friends and get them involved in helping with spreading the message.  Water Is Life was featured on CNN and HLN this weekend.  We have news papers covering the story as well. We will have these posted for you soon.

Our Facebook page is: http://joinwaterislife.com

Twitter: @ksurritte  @WaterIsLife

Thank you for making a difference in Haiti.

Let me know how I can serve you,

Ken Surritte

I wanted to give you a quick update. First, thank you so much for all your help. Water Is Life has sent our emergency stockpile to Haiti. These filters were shipped to a staging area in Boston for IRD and USAID they are now on their way to Haiti with the medical team from USAID. The filters will be handed out to the people coming to the hospital and taught how to use them.
I can’t tell you how much we appreciate Senator Jim Inhoff and his staff. He has been helping to get these doors opened for us to partner with the medical teams going over.
Water Is Life has thousands more filters are being shipped direct from the factory, first shipment will arrive later this week.
I have a favor to ask: If you could Tweet, email, call, use Facebook and other means of social media to help spread the word for us. When the news teams leave Haiti in the next couple weeks, and the relief workers leave, the people of Haiti will still need water. The filters will give them clean water for a year.

Thank you for helping to raise awareness and encouraging others to help.

If you want to share with others the news story from Channel 9 coverage:
News 9 Special report:

http://tinyurl.com/y9he8y4

News 9 follow from today: http://bit.ly/6Akef9
Drinking from where? www.WaterIsLife.com/news/

Water is Life Facebook Fan Pagewww.joinwaterislife.com

Twitter: @waterislife
Twitter: @ksurritte

You are helping to make a difference in Haiti!

Water filters heading to Boston to join International Relief  and Development shipment to Haiti.  

By getting the www.WaterIsLife.com water filters into the hands of thousands in need in Port Au Prince, we can drastically help the area, and provide them with clean water until internal infrastructure and pumps can be repaired.  Prior to the earthquake, clean water was a huge issue for many Haitians, and with the aftermath just about to begin, the lack of clean water will become life threatening to all there.  

Long after the news leaves and the relief workers are gone, the need for water will still be there for the people of Haiti. The portable filters will provide them a years worth of water.  Donate and be a part of the relief effort!