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Helping create a blue water future
Water. It’s a precious commodity for each of us. No matter who we are, where we live, what we do, we need access to clean, safe water to live and thrive.
And, while the world’s population grows continually, water is a finite commodity. Did you know that there’s only as much water on Earth today as there was millions of years ago? Water shortages and access to clean water are growing concerns. Thus water stewardship activities are especially critical at this point in time.
That’s why we initiated the RBC Blue Water Project™. This innovative, wide-ranging program is RBC’s global commitment to help protect the world’s most precious natural resource: fresh water.
Under the RBC Blue Water Project, RBC has committed to provide $50 million in charitable grants to organizations that protect watersheds and provide or ensure access to clean drinking water. We’ve also committed to promote responsible and sustainable water use with our employees and clients, to encourage the growth of businesses that develop and commercialize innovative solutions to the water issues facing the world, and to encourage a spirit of collaboration among and between all sectors to help protect the world’s freshwater.
The RBC Blue Water Project grows out of our longstanding commitment to environmental sustainability. RBC has been named one of Canada's Greenest Employers, one of Canada's Best Diversity Employers, one of Canada's 50 Most Socially Responsible Corporations and one of the Best Workplaces in Canada. As one of Canada's largest corporate donors, RBC supports a broad range of community initiatives, through donations, sponsorships and employee volunteer activities. As one of North America’s leading financial institutions, we believe we play an important role in helping address important social and environmental issues, and that access to water will be one of the most significant issues facing the world in the decades ahead.
One drop at a time
Already, the RBC Blue Water Project grants are making a difference. Since 2007, RBC has pledged more than $20.48 million to more than 200 not-for-profit organizations worldwide.
Earlier this year, we committed $1 million to support the work of two organizations — ONE DROP and Oxfam — to help the people of Haiti following the devastating earthquake in that country. The money will be used to rebuild infrastructure, providing sustainable access to water and sanitation which are needed to help the Haitian people meet these basic human necessities. This work is part of our larger pledge, a total commitment of $10 million as a founding partner of ONE DROP.
Change begins at home
We believe that we can work together to create positive change. The protection of water is something we can all help with, in ways both large and small.
While the centrepiece of the RBC Blue Water Project is our $50 million charitable grants program, we have also committed to promote responsible water use with our employees and clients, and to help educate people about the value and vulnerability of our water resources.
For example, we encourage use of tap water instead of bottled water wherever this is safe and practical. Imagine if everyone in Canada carried aluminum bottles and refilled them from the tap instead of purchasing disposable plastic bottles of water!
Tips for conserving & preserving water
Wherever you live, and whatever your source of water, there are ways that you can make small changes to help reduce water use and preserve the watershed. Here are some ideas for your home:
- Protect the groundwater. Take unwanted products with toxic chemicals and pharmaceuticals to a municipal collection area instead of disposing in the garbage, on the ground or down the drain. Pick up after your pet. Use non-phosphate soap to wash your car.
- Waterproof your garden. Use natural, organic gardening and lawn care products. Collect roof runoff in a rain barrel for watering the garden, cleaning the car and washing windows. When landscaping, minimize the area of impervious surfaces, such as concrete and asphalt, in favour of materials that let rainwater soak through the ground instead of doing into the storm drains. These include paving blocks, grass driveway strips, wood decks, wood chips and crushed rock. Plant trees and native plants wherever possible.
- Use less water. Take shorter showers. Switch to water conserving showerheads, toilets and clothes washers. Run hoses, sprinklers and taps only as long as essential.
- Inform yourself. Find out where your drinking water comes from, and how it’s tested, treated and protected. Learn about your local watershed, and the impact of your actions on it and the wildlife that depends on it for survival. Support your local watershed organization or regional conservation authority.
You can get involved
You can also get involved on Friday, June 11, 2010, for our first ever RBC Blue Water Day by visiting your local branch and seeing how we're helping create a blue water future. You can also visit the RBC Blue Water Project web site to learn more.
Whatever actions you take, you'll be helping to ensure a future with fresh water.
™ Trademark of Royal Bank of Canada.
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