According to worldwaterday.org, there are 2.1 billion people who live without safe drinking water at home; affecting their health, education and livelihoods. And if they have access to it, they must take 4 hours out of their day to get to it.
This necessity is so basic to the developed world and I can’t even imagine not having a clean water source instantly but here are the purposeful businesses doing something about it and how you can take part of it too.
People Water
In its simplest form, they are a for-profit company that helps bring less fortunate people with the lack of access to clean water by having people (me + you) purchase bottled water. People Water is a social good company. Their purpose is in their name: People. Water. They have a clever take on the one-for-one model by their Drop-for-Drop Initiative by providing safe and healthy water to people in need through their nonprofit partners.
If you are also all about quality in your water, they say they only use the highest quality spring water with a pH balance of 7.2 or higher. Even better. Clean premium water – check. Helping those in need- check. Now for those environmentally conscious, they also offer reusable bottles in aluminum and plastic to refill with your own clean water source.
S’well
Woman founded and owned, S’well’s mission of ridding the world of plastic water bottles is a big one. Founder and CEO, Sarah Kauss says that she believes that if she made “a crave-worthy bottle that combined fashion with function, people would stop buying disposable bottles, and we could reduce single-use plastic consumption worldwide.” BPA free and eco-friendly, they say they’ve nailed down a triple walled technology including a layer of copper which ultimately makes for condensation-free exterior and keeping drinks stay cold for 24 hours and hot for 12. They give back to nonprofit partners through UNICEF USA by providing clean and safe water to the world’s most vulnerable communities and supporting water programs across Madagascar – a country where nearly 50% of the population lacks access to clean drinking water.
Soma Water
For at home or work use, Soma Water fills the need for an innovative and cleanly designed water filter. Every time you buy a Soma filter, they donate to their nonprofit partner charity: water. These contributions go directly to sustainable, community-owned water projects in developing countries. Soma Water is also a certified B corp that uses post-consumer waste and recyclable materials in their packaging. They also do employee/employer fundraising matching for waters projects and are conscious of their supply chain transparency. Who knew that something so basic and needed as drinking water can make a positive impact on others. And if you’re not in the market for a new water bottle or container but water is a cause you want to back here are a few nonprofits to check out to donate to them directly because we can all agree that clean safe water is something everyone should have access to.
Charity: water
With the help of businesses, consumers and volunteers, charity: water has funded 24,537 water projects for 7 million people around the world. They have been the popular choice amongst for-profit social good businesses to partner with in how they contribute to society.
water.org
Founded by Gary White and Matt Damon, they seek long-term sustainable financial solutions that empower people with access to the water and sanitation solutions they need. They created WaterCredit, bringing small, affordable loans and expert resources to make household water and sanitation solutions a reality.
Most recently, Matt Damon launched a campaign with Stella Artois and when you purchase a limited-edition chalice you are giving 5 years of clean water for 1 person in the developing world.
When I drink water today, I sure will feel appreciation of how clean and how fast I have access to it but all these social good businesses and non-profits can’t do what they do without spreading awareness and without the help of people who know the blessing of clean water like you and me.
