“Nothing is more useful than water: but it will purchase scarce anything; scarce anything can be had in exchange for it. A diamond, on the contrary, has scarce any use-value; but a very great quantity of other goods may frequently be had in exchange for it.” —Adam Smith, Chapter 4, Book I, Wealth of Nations (1776).
18th century economist Adam Smith posed the above question which is known as the paradox-of-choice, or the diamond and water paradox.
Mr. Smith pointed out that the most useful things that we use every day have little value or are readily available and cheap, such as water. Diamonds, on the other hand, are very expensive, but lack any real practical use. Yes, they do look pretty, but if you were shipwrecked on a deserted island would you take a 45 carat diamond, like one of the most expensive diamonds in the world, the Hope diamond, (said to be valued at over $350 million) or a water filtration system?
It’s been said that seawater will dehydrate a person if that is all they drink over a long period of time, so I think you’d opt for the filtration system.
You can live longer on fish, coconuts and fresh water than a stunning diamond. (Unless you can use it as a beacon of some sort to call for help, then by all means keep the diamond!)
As consumers we often don’t realize the impacts of our consumption.
Water scarcity is a real problem that already impacts over 1.2 billion people who lack access to clean drinking water. The western United States, namely California and Arizona, are facing serious water shortages right now. Arizona prepares for the worse as Lake Mead is said to be drying up. The lake is at its lowest level since pre-Hoover Dam levels and water restrictions are in force.
Water is vital for life, that’s why these water shortages are such a serious problem.
As global citizens it’s time that we start paying attention to the impact that our misuse of natural resources and unsustainable practices can have on not just our life now, but future generations.
Words of wisdom from The Great Law of the Iroquois Confederacy: “In our every deliberation we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations.”
The Laundry POD Saves Water
If you agree that water surely has more value than diamonds…
You will be delighted to hear about a new product that can help lessen your environmental impact, save water, and leave you with clean clothes in minutes (not to mention tone your arms with use): The Laundry POD!
The Laundry POD is a true ECO-friendly washing machine system that uses a lot less water than the standard washing machine, plus operates on 0, that’s ZERO – electricity! The Laundry POD is user friendly and super portable.
It manually operates with a spinning system, think salad spinner but for your clothes! It’s easier than handwashing and great for washing delicates! It fits under your sink and is also great to take along camping!
Buy The Laundry Pod at select stores, or bid to win a great deal on The Laundry Pod on DealDash.com and save money off the retail price of $123.
Now that they’ve completed school, your grad will need to start looking for jobs and start their career. Help give them a leg up with great tech gifts!