Sustainable water

That product you're buying or consuming -- it either contains water, or water was used in its production process. So here's a question you've probably never asked yourself: Did the water come from a sustainable source?

Six environmental groups aim to answer that question by supporting a global certification program that would create a "sustainable water" seal of approval. The program was unveiled this week at the World Water Form in Istanbul, Turkey.

Fresh water is a scarce commodity, getting scarcer by the minute. Feeding, housing and clothing the world's population take up increasing quantities of fresh water, which often doesn't get replenished at its source.

Sustainable water harvesting ensures that all the water doesn't leave the water table on a one-way trip. Just as sustainable forestry keeps forests alive after logging, proper water management would prevent this irreplaceable resource from running out.

Look for the new logo to be out 18 months to 2 years from now.