1% Water

As part of their 1% Water exhibit, curators Ilse Crawford and Jane Withers have started a Water Archive. The archive is a collection of water samples sent in by people around the world to map the 1% of the Earth's water that can be used for human consumption. They ask people to bring or send in 50 cl of water along with an explanation and/or picture of the source. The water samples they are looking for are any fresh water such as; water from rivers, lakes, groundwater, rainwater, spring water, mineral/bottled water, religious water (ganges, lourdes), dangerous water (virus, toxic, bacteria, chemicals), polluted water (from industry or human use), water from special places/cities/ landmarks (water used to flush the toilet in the Eiffel tower or water from a special fountain), water which is stored in special places (3 year old water from a water bed, heating systems, fridge), tapwater (but only when it’s special).

Statue Appeal

In Sweden only 1 out of 10 statues are commemorating women. A Swedish magazine called Amelia has started a Statue Appeal campaign to change this. They have began placing pink pearl necklaces on male statues around the country. Their website also gives instructions on how to make the necklaces and encourages people to place them on statues in their own towns and upload the photos to the Amelia website. The campaign also includes 20 great Swedish women who they have nominated to receive statues. (Found through the David Report).

The Human Race

Nike has come up with an interesting concept for a worldwide 10K run that they are calling The Human Race. The race is scheduled to take place on August 31 2008. In 25 cities, such as Vancouver or Madrid, there will be organize race routes. But participation is not limited to these cities. Nike is encouraging anyone with the Nike Plus software and hardware to also take part. Their website offers training routines where you can track your progress.

Earth Hour 2008

Tomorrow, March 29, at 8pm is this year's Earth Hour. It was done last year in a few cities with limited participation. This year, they have put a lot more effort into raising awareness and getting global participation on both an individual and corporate scale. Participants are asked to turn out their lights between the 8 and 9pm. The idea is to demonstrate that such a small act, can make a measurable change.

Takes All Types

Takes All Types is leveraging the power of Facebook to help with blood donations. It's a Facebook application with a purpose. Users register their blood type with Takes All Types and then notifications are sent to them when blood is needed in their areas. This is one of the smartest Facebook apps I've seen. It's raising awareness and building a blood donation network by using the enormous force of a social network. If you are not a Facebook member, you can still register with Takes All Types to receive phone, text, email or fax alerts of blood shortages in your area.

Things I Have Learned in My Life So Far

I'm kind of intrigued by the site Things I Have Learned In My Life So Far. It invites users to contribute maxims that they have learned about life. The site asks "What have you learned in your life so far? What is it that you are fairly sure about? What is it that you believe in by now?". What I like about this site is that they have put an artistic spin on things. Contributions are made in the form of digital artwork. They are sketches, or photos, or movies created to illustrate or include the advice. This one hit home for me... Take a moment, locate yourself. (Found through Josh Spear).