FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Washington, DC – March 17, 2009 – Clean, safe drinking water is something many people take for granted. In Haiti, half of the population does not have access to clean water (World Bank); almost all water sources are contaminated with germs of typhoid, cholera, and chronic diarrhea. Such waterborne diseases are the leading cause of infant mortality and illness in children. Since May 2006, International Action has installed over 100 chlorinators on public water tanks in the metropolitan area of Port-au-Prince – the capital – providing over 400,000 with clean, safe drinking water and GreenLinkz.com would like to add another million people to that number in 2009.
International Action will receive a donation for every free member that joins the first online green business network, GreenLinkz.com – with a goal of one million members in 2009. GreenLinkz.com has set up a member challenge page and is encouraging professionals interested in areas of business such as sustainability, clean tech, green jobs, environmental responsibility, green building, and so on to join.
The Problem:
In Haiti, contaminated water is the leading cause of infant mortality and illness in children. Germs for hepatitis, cholera, and chronic diarrhea are carried in water used for cooking and drinking. Nearly every water source in Haiti has become contaminated with human waste because of the absence of a sewage sanitation system.
Haiti now has the highest infant mortality rate in the western hemisphere. The Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO) reported that more than half of all deaths in Haiti were due to water-borne gastro-intestinal diseases.
The Solution:
A chlorine tablet system is safe and easy to maintain, and no electricity is needed. Unlike gas and liquid chlorine, which are dangerous and unstable, chlorine tablets are stable enough to store in difficult conditions and safe enough to be handled by amateurs. The chlorinators operate on the water’s own gravity flow, so no additional equipment is necessary.
International Action’s system looks toward sustainability for future years. The organization seeks to encourage local “ownership” of each water system and teaches local people the skills needed to sustain the chlorine system in future years. Local water boards are trained by International Action staff to adjust chlorine levels, make minor repairs, and educate their neighbors about the value of clean water.
“Hopefully through bringing a million members to GreenLinkz.com and have the green business community help such a great effort that has a long last effect,” stated Kris Moorman, President of GreenLinkz.com. “We believe the time is right to bring together a million professionals interested in green business practices because “green” and “sustainability” are global imperatives and represent a large number of individuals in this rapidly growing area of focus within business.”
About GreenLinkz.com
GreenLinkz.com is an online network providing green business professionals the opportunity to create communities that collaborate, share and work towards real change through active dialogue. Greenlinkz.com is part of the VerticalLinkz portfolio of web sites whose goal is to facilitate collaboration and innovation in industries through the establishment of industry focused professional networks that leverage the power of online networking. The VerticalLinkz network sites are the place professional go everyday to network with others in their industry, read news headlines, find a job, transact business, continue learning and more. The networks include many features: social networking, industry-specific career services, industry media (trade news, blogs, vlogs, etc.), new B2B trade models, industry marketplaces, and new corporate customer service models designed around “user communities”.
To find out more, please visit www.greenlinkz.com or call Kris Moorman at (515)962-1199.
About International Action
International Action is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on creating a healthy Haiti by providing clean water and other life-saving programs. Since 2006, International Action has worked with Haitian communities to provide training, education, and create sustainable water systems. International Action currently protects over 600,000 Haitians from waterborne diseases and improves their quality of life.
Contact
Youngmin Chang
ychang@haitiwater.org
International Action
819 L Street, SE, Washington, DC 20003
(202) 488-0735
https://haitiwater.org/