Written by Jessica Arinella

Summer = an increase in outdoor water use.

Listen to this Green Divas Radio show podcast featuring What You Can Do on water conservation. This podcast focuses on outdoor water usage and how we can reduce water waste outside.

Many of our outdoor activities revolve around water during the summer, whether it’s taking a dip in the ocean or staying hydrated during a workout.

Caring for our lawns and gardens can be a challenge in the heat, especially in states facing droughts like California. According to the EPA, the average American family of four uses 400 gallons of water per day, and about 30 percent is devoted to outdoor uses (more than half of this is used for watering lawns and gardens).

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Check out the simple ideas below to help conserve water outdoors while we have fun in the sun.

1. Let It Rain: Consider purchasing a rain barrel to collect water for gardening, lawn care and car or window washing

2. Drive Thru: Wash your car at a commercial car wash instead of in the driveway to reduce water usage and keep chemicals out of storm drains

3. Double Duty: Bathe your pet on part of your lawn that needs watering

4. Clean Sweep: Use a broom to clean patios, sidewalks and driveways instead of rinsing with a hose

5. Green Your Lawn: Leave clippings on your lawn after mowing—they decompose and release nutrients into the soil to keep grass healthy

Sources: EPA and Water Use It Wisely

Check out these What You Can Do videos about conserving water outdoors:

Bonus:

Listen to the entire Green Divas Radio Show, featuring Climate Mama, Harriet Shugarman in the Green Diva Studio among some of our regular segments—GD Foodie Phile on reducing food waste; GD Eco-Style on recycled threads; and another GD What You Can Do on water conservation. Listen up!

 
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