TORONTO – Actor Matt Damon says the fact more people have cell phones than toilets is something he can’t take sitting down.
“One billion people, about 20 per cent of the world’s population, defecate in the open,” Damon says in a new video posted online. “Half of the world’s hospital beds are occupied by patients with water-related diseases.”
Damon says these diseases kill 10,000 people a day in developing nations. “And yes, death by diarrhea is as pleasant as it sounds,” he adds.
The Good Will Hunting star is flushing out the truth about sanitation problems as co-founder of development aid foundation Water.org. The animated video uses toilet humour to educate people about the importance of clean drinking water.
“Without toilets, human waste and bacteria seep into the water supply, which makes people sick,” Damon explains.
Earlier this year, Damon appeared in an online video and — with tongue in cheek — vowed not to go to the bathroom until everyone has access to clean water and sanitation. Celebrities including Jason Bateman and Jessica Biel joined the anti-bowel movement at strikewithme.org.
The actor urges people to act. “The next time you’re drinking fancy bottled water from the South Pacific, or moving your stocks while moving your bowels, take a moment to consider that the water six inches beneath your butt is cleaner than the drinking water of 1 billion of your neighbours.”
Damon says $25 can supply someone with safe water for life.
“Would it kill you to donate a few bucks,” he says, “and maybe light a match?”
Watch the video here:
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