April Showers Bring May Flowers.
That little capsule of truth reminds us how interconnected we are, which is especially true related to water. What we do matters.
Through the waters of baptism, we are reminded of God’s renewing grace and gift of water that literally keeps us alive. Working to keep water safe, clean, and available to all is a sacred trust. Check out your own water usage with this tool at watercalculator.org, which also gives practical tips for reducing use.
Drought is increasingly affecting all of us. Treat water as sacred. Avoid wasting it. Don’t let water run when brushing teeth, loading the dishwasher, cleaning vegetables, getting ready to shower. Little things you can do factor into dealing with the big changes of a shifting climate.
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n rainy weather it’s easy to forget the long dry spells caused by climate change. Look for ways to conserve water: Set up a rain barrel, plant tea bags with your flowers and veggies to hold moisture longer, and use leftover pet water for the plants. Inside, fix leaks, add a low-flush toilet, and install a fine-spray shower head.
One quarter-pound beef burger requires enough water to fill 10 bathtubs. Simply swapping one a month for a veggie burger would add up to 5,400 gallons of water saved per year. Producing turkey burgers is also less costly to our water supply. Going meatless helps even more. What you eat matters to the planet.
Now is a great time to add native plants to your garden. Native plants use less water, prevent erosion, and don’t need fertilizers. They also reduce air pollution and support pollinators and wildlife. For ideas, consult a Master Gardener or search for "plants native to [your state]."
One congregation fired up 75 volunteers from the church and community and planted 400 trees along the banks of the stream that runs through the church property. In short order, the church saw improved water clarity, healthier vegetation, and more fish. And their downstream neighbors experienced much less flooding.
Run your dishwasher only when full and skip pre-washing. Handwashing results in using more water (up to 27 gallons vs. 3 for the machine). Heating the water for those extra gallons also costs your wallet and the environment. The dishwasher is more hygienic because it heats the smaller amount of water to a degree your hands—and germs—can’t stand.
Who are the experts in your community related to water? Invite them to present a program on a nearby body of water or a waterway. Ask that they also address ways individuals and your congregation can be helpful in caring for water locally.
Find out about serving on a Citizen Advisory Committee related to water issues. A CAC is a group of community representatives who provide expertise, diverse perspectives, and recommendations to officials on projects, policies, and issues. Serving is one way to live out your call as a steward of God’s creation.
On a balmy spring day with light rain (but no lightning) grab some rags, a bucket, and a kid or friend or two and go play in the rain—oh, and help the rain wash your car. Wipe it down. Add a bit of competition or music for crazy dancing moves! But no running water—let the rain do the rinse job. Fun for you and good for the Earth—the car too.
Yes, One Person Can Make a Difference! As a reader of the Tips, do you have a Tip to share from your own experience? Send your idea to tips.creationjustice@gmail.com.