DONT WASTE WATER THIS HOLI

Save water this Holi

Everyday we use water without a thought. World Water Day falling on Holi is a good reminder to curb water wastage during the festival of colours.

Going without water for even a day can be an ordeal for us. This Holi add colour not only to your celebration but to the world around you by saving water.

So, while we prepare for the fun festival here are a few ways to save the precious life giving wonder - water!

Tips on how to save water on Holi 

• Measure the quantity of water you want to use to play with and store it. Stick to that limit. Resist the temptation of going overboard. 
• Play with dry colours 
• Use natural colours. They wash off easily. 
• Avoid playing with balloons. 
• Go for a bath only when you are done. Bathing again and again is sure water wastage.

Save water while playing Holi 

• Play in a separate area or the garden. Getting the whole house dirty will simply lead to more water usage. 
• Wear old dark coloured clothes, so cleaning them does not need too much water and effort. 
• Apply oil on your hair before stepping out to play. This will provide a protective coating over your hair. Even if you do end up getting colourin your tresses, a single wash can be enough to make your hair colour-free. 
• Shield yourself with some moisturising lotion to prevent your skin from staining. It will keep your skin hydrated and prevent it from harmful effects of colour. 
• Coat your nails with nail paint. It is the most basic form of nail care and can go a long away in keeping your nails from soiling with colours. Your nails will stay clean just like before playing Holi. 
• In case you forget to apply a body lotion and you have colour all over you then do not step under the shower immediately. Rub some coconut oil or cream and let

• the colour start fading. Now a quick wash will make you clean without much scrubbing. You will save water too. 
• If you are playing indoors or on the terrace, spread a tarpaulin on the floor. Once you have finished playing, you can simply wash away the colours on the tarpaulin and save using detergents on the floor.

Steps to clean the house using minimum water

After an exhausting day of celebrating Holi, cleaning is the last thing you want to do. But there is a way to do it in an efficient, effective and non-time consuming way. 

1. Fill up two buckets. One with soapy water that has stain free in it and one with plain water. 
2. Get two sponges. 
3. Wipe the coloured areas with the stain free liquid, with the help of a sponge. 
4. Now simply wipe away with plain water. 
5. Finish it with a dry wipe.

You will save a lot of water and the coloured area will be clean without much effort. Use some washing soda for cleaning stubborn stains, it works wonders! Use it sparingly though or you may end up using water unnecessarily to do away with the soapiness.

Do not forget to wear hand gloves, since stain free liquids can be harsh.

Help the environment

Is it a mere co-incidence that this year World Water Day and Holi are falling on the same day? Even if it is a co-incidence, it is time to remember that we as a planet are facing a global water shortage. Out of approximately 6.1 billion people more than 1 billion do not have access to potable water.

While so many humans combat water shortage on a daily basis, we can try to ensure that our celebrations are not insensitive.

Make this Holi even more special by saving every drop you can, for whom water is a luxury. Here's wishing you a Super Happy Holi!

Regards.

Issued in Public Interest by ALERT CITIZENS FORUM OF INDIA.