With California still facing the effects of a record-breaking drought, Earth Day is the perfect time to teach your kids to take care of our water. Get going now with these family-friendly water-protectors:
1. Build a rain barrel. Capturing rain in a barrel keeps it from flowing through the streets and dirtying the bay and ocean with pollutants picked up along the way. By working with your kids to harvest rainwater—and then using that water to irrigate your lawn and garden—you can also lower your utility bill. For a quick video on installing your rain barrel, check this out: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q1i4zMlMSd0&list=PL4FACE8960D56BFF5
2. Go native. Talk to your children about how native plants require very little water to thrive (and therefore go a long way in helping California deal with the drought). Then, head to the nursery and have the kids pick out a native plant (such as California redbuds or California lilacs) for you to bring home and plant together. Check out this resource from UC Davis for a great list of everything from plants to great planting techniques: http://arboretum.ucdavis.edu/arboretum_all_stars.aspx
3. Green your pet care. When it’s time to give your dog a bath, head outdoors with your kids and hose him down in a patch of lawn that needs watering. And instead of dumping leftover water from your cat or dog’s dish, encourage your children to use that water to feed thirsty houseplants.
4. Head to the farm. Visit a local farm to teach kids about efficient irrigation — and to boost their appreciation for locally grown fruits and veggies.
5. Buddy up with bugs. Since pesticides are major water pollutants, pair up with your kids to ward off pests by planting some plants that will lure “good bugs” like ladybugs into your garden. Here’s our look at the top ten bugs you actually WANT in your yard: https://www.flowstobay.org/files/publications/10mostwanted.pdf
6. Plant an organic pest-fighter. Another way to fend off pesky insects without resorting to pesticides: help your kids plant garlic near your tomatoes, potatoes, cabbage, or kale. Garlic naturally repels aphids, plus it’s rich in fungus-zapping sulfur.
7. Sign on for a beach cleanup. Taking part in a cleanup with your kids not only keeps the shore in good shape for your next family beach trip: it’s also essential for getting rid of cigarettes, plastic bags, and other trash before they end up in the water and hurt marine life. Feel like helping? Find an event near you.
