Isn't she just adorable? The event was just last night and I'm sure was well attended. A number of people stopped by the dinner and showed me their new little friends. They were so happy! Thank you Center for Student Involvement for bringing back this beloved tradition!
On a more somber note the National Public Radio newsletter reminded me that Wednesday was International Toilet Day, reminding us that something most of us take for granted is aspirational for a lot of the world. According to NPR, 3.4 billion people don't have access to indoor toilets connected to sewer systems which can mean fecal contamination in drinking water.
Although this is primarily in global south nations, it's closer to home than you may think. When Eugene and I moved into Greystone in 1990 (two decades before it became a cooperative) the park was on a well. We had an option of buying drinking and cooking water to avoid fecal contamination. An option unavailable to much of the world. But we were some glad when it was transitioned to city water.
Additionally 300 million people have no place besides outside to relieve themselves. This can make them vulnerable to scorpions, poisonous snakes, and predatory animals. Girls and women are also endangered by predatory males.
Dedicated engineers and environmental scientists are hard at work on solutions to this crisis. Especially with the rate of climate change, it's going to take a whole lot of money to finance their crucial work. If you can afford to and get the chance to donate please do.
Jules Hathaway
Sent from my U.S.Cellular© Smartphone
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