[NO NEW UPDATES] Expedition Dispatches: Desert Grand Slam with Dean Karnazes: Get the Facts & Get Involved- The Last Desert, Antarctica

December 02, 2008

Get the Facts & Get Involved- The Last Desert, Antarctica

Antarctica (Nov 19 – Dec 5) EMBRACE THE RACE:

The final leg of the Grand Slam Desert takes place on the coldest, driest, and windiest continent. Antarctica has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Since there is little precipitation, except at the coasts, the interior is considered the largest desert in the world, composed of 98% thick continental ice sheet and 2% barren rock.

By this point, the runners have put themselves through some of the most grueling conditions on the planet. One former Desert Slam Challenge runner gave this advice to future runners about how they would feel by the time they reach Antarctica: "Think about something to flavor your water. Adding some powder can make water much more palatable. We learned in Sahara that putting a flavored tea bag in our water bottles made drinking more enjoyable."

FACE THE REALITY:

For over a billion people around the world, the taste of clean, safe drinking water would be a delight. Many rely on local, open water sources or resign themselves to hand-dug open pits that are sometimes shared by humans and animals. Surface water can contain microbial contaminants or industrial pollutants and can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes.

Through projects funded by Blue Planet Run, experts can provide education and community-based evaluation and problem solving. Implementers work with local communities to build systems to trap rainwater or tap into groundwater and keep it clean. For only $30, you can provide one person with a lifetime of safe, clean drinking water.

WALK IN THEIR SHOES:

An enormous amount of fresh, potable water is used to water lawns and gardens. This places an unnecessary burden on local water sources and municipalities. It also assumes reservoirs will continue to be able to replace what is pumped out. Do your part to

conserve water using these simple tips. They will save you money! • Replace water-thirsty lawns with native plants.

• Install water-saving drip systems.

• Water during the coolest part of the day to reduce evaporation.

For real savings, some people divert their grey water (water used in showers, sinks, etc.) to feed their thirsty outdoor plants! In some regions, rainwater catchment systems can be installed to collect water from rooftops and gutters.

- The North Face

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