Have you heard of the LOESS PLATEAU?  It is in China and in 10 years it has been changed from a barren landscape to a productive eco environment.( It is approximately the size of Belgium.) The benefits are amazing. The area is producing many various crops and once again, with making dams, has water that doesn't flood and take away the topsoil.
The people now have a far greater standard of living than they could have imagined. One man said "Before my dream was just to live in a brick house. Now it's as if our dreams couldn't keep up with the changes"
 This projectis being used as a model to transform other barren areas of land in China and worldwide that man has wrecked by improper use. This helps the CO2 emissions as well that affect climate change. And of course with an improved water cycle many homes have running water, something they could never previously imagined.A lot of research has gone into the project and if you want to see more have a look on the You Tube clip:

Hi,
​if you are like me, that nice cool glass of water isn't quite so attractive at the moment and the winter weather makes you want to peg out and have those things that you know are unhealthy.
So if you are up to making a nice warm delicious soup you can help your health by adding good water to that and to any veges you cook for dinner. So that can boost your immune system and contribute to keeping away the winter ills.
Try to keep up the water though if you can, as it is good for you, as I'm sure you know. You can even have a cup of hot water.
So keep warm this winter
regards Anna

Home made vegetable  soup is great for a cold winter night, great for your health and tastes delicious

Heat oil in a large soup or stock pot. Add veggies. Heat, stirring, for 3-4 minutes, until onions are soft. Add the rest of the vegetables and heat for just another minute or two.
Add salt, pepper, garlic, thyme and oregano, stirring to coat the vegetables well.
Add water and tomatoes, bring to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes.