How to Talk to Kids about the California Drought
Today’s post hits pretty close to home for me. I’ve lived in southern California almost all my life. We definitely enjoy beautiful weather year round but at this point all of us would love some extra rain! Right now we are in the midst of one of California’s most severe droughts in history.
For kids (and adults) understanding what a drought even means is tricky. Unlike other natural disasters we don’t necessarily feel it because we can still turn on the faucet to wash dishes. When we want to shower the water sprinkles upon us just like always. We can’t actually see the water shortage in our day to day life.
Today I’m teaming up with Green Works to hit the topic of the drought head on. First up? Starting (or diving deeper) into the conversation with kids. Then I’ll share some creative ideas for conserving water. Please let us know what’s working at your house in the comment section.
How to Talk to Kids about the California Drought
Know the facts. Understanding the problem is the first step in knowing how to help. You can find drought information on the California state website or by contacting your water company. Make sure you deal with what is… rather than what might be in the future when you’re talking to the kids. The goal is to make them aware, not to scare them. Also find out what they know! Have they talked about the drought at school?
Brainstorm actions together. Can you think of creative ways to conserve water? I bet your little one has an idea or two? Decide as a family on one or two actions you can take together to help with this water crisis. Make a chart or picture to hang on the fridge as a reminder of your commitment.
Hold each other accountable. Be each others cheerleaders. Notice when someone in the family has gone a step above or gently remind each other about what your supposed to be doing.
Creative Ways to Conserve Water
Green Works has some great ideas for going beyond what your already doing. We often think of cutting down on showers and turning off the water while brush our teeth, but this crisis requires a little more creativity.
Use biodegradable dish soap. Recycle dishwater by using Green Works Dishwashing Liquid. It’s biodegradable and naturally-derived allowing you to reuse dishwater for chores like watering the yards or plants. Nearly 60 percent of a person’s household water footprint can go toward lawn and garden maintenance.
Use HE washers and Green Works HE laundry detergent. HE washer’s use 20 to 66 percent of the water used by traditional washers and Green Works HE detergents are formulated to be low-sudsing and require less water.
Watch what you eat. A quarter pound hamburger is worth more than 30 average American showers. One of the easiest ways to slim our water footprint is to eat less meat and dairy. Another way is to choose grass-fed, rather than grain-fed, since it can take a lot of water to grow corn and other feed crops.
All of Green Works products are naturally derived and safe for children and pets. You don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals!
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Now it’s your turn! What conservation techniques are working at your house?
This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Green Works. The opinions and text are all mine.