Unilever launches new safe drinking water project

Unilever has partnered with Population Services International (PSI) and Facebook to launch a scheme that aims to improve global access to safe drinking water.

The not-for-profit Waterworks project is a Timeline application that allows Facebook users to sign up and contribute donations to aid real individuals and communities in need of better access to sanitary water.

Meanwhile, PSI-trained Waterworkers will be striving to provide families in need with education on the benefits of clean drinking water, while distributing Pureit water purifiers and sachets.

Participation in this project will help Unilever meet its goal of providing safe drinking water to 500 million people by 2020, as outlined in its Unilever Sustainable Living Plan.

Keith Weed, chief marketing and communications officer at Unilever, said: "At Unilever, we believe that small everyday actions can add up to a big difference and that the power of social connections can drive real change around the world."

This comes after the company announced an alliance with Unicef earlier this month to deliver basic sanitation to more than 400,000 people in poorer areas.