Dear Editor,

Are you wasting your life? Mni waconi (Lakota)-what the heck does that mean! Remember the Standing Rock pipeline protests? Water is life. Why is water life? Depending on where you read it, our bodies are composed of anywhere from 55%- 75% water.

Many parts of the country (and world) are in long droughts. The planet is drying up and being choked to death by the wasteful unsustainable use and habits we, especially in first world countries, have passed along generationally.

Water is a beverage. How often when you’re in a restaurant does the server automatically bring you a “free” glass of water. Then asks if you’d like something (else) to drink? Technically that glass of water isn’t free, especially in restaurants. It’s costly, and not just as a utility. You might take a few sips during your meal. Then the server may come back again to top off your glass. Then when you leave all the drinking water on the table is poured down the drain.

Be conscious of your use. Change is difficult. We’re never too old to change habits. Resistance comes from being lazy, thinking that you’re paying for it; thinking money can fix anything, not caring about the future, or all the aforementioned. All our little behaviors-actions do add up. You can be part of the problem(s) or part of the solution(s).

Atashnaa Medicineshield Werner

Greater Nederland area