Earthship Logs

Use It...Don't Lose It!

The red phone in the T.R.E.E. rang frequently as Captains Redbird, Earthworm and Bluegill got more people involved in spotting environmental issues and informing the superheroes of problems.

One Tuesday afternoon, Redbird and Earthworm were out on a mission teaching people about the water cycle, and Bluegill was checking his vermicomposting bin, when the phone rang.

"Captain Bluegill speaking," answered the envirohero. "Hi, Captain Bluegill..." (It was Jenny Cass, a meter reader for the Precious Little Water Company) "According to my records, they're using an unusual amount of water at 413 Clean Street, the home of Billy Bright."

"Sounds like something we need to investigate right away. I'm on my way, Jenny." Captain Bluegill sped to the envirocruiser and rushed to Billy's house. Jenny and Billy were waiting outside.

"Hello, Billy," greeted Captain Bluegill. "Jenny is concerned that you may be wasting water."

"I USE a lot of water, I don't WASTE it" Billy answered. "I use it on good things, like taking showers, brushing my teeth, washing my bike, and watering my lawn. Besides, there is plenty of water there. All I have to do is turn on the faucet!"

"You know, even though our planet is known as the Wet Planet because two thirds of it is covered with water, only one percent of that water can be used for drinking," Captain Bluegill explained.

"Wow! That's all?" Billy was astonished. "That's really low. Can I do anything to help save water?"

"Hop in the cruiser and we'll find out!"

The two friends and the Captain were suddenly hovering over Billy's house. In an instant, a bright blue light surrounded the house.

"See all these red spots showing up on the screen?" asked Captain Bluegill? "These are all the places water can be conserved."

"Look, there in the kitchen!" exclaimed Jenny, pointing at the sink. "The faucet is dripping, that can waste gallons of water a day!!!"

"It's been broken for a week; the plumber said she will be here Friday." answered Billy.

"Until then," joined Captain Bluegill, "you can put a pot in the sink to catch the leaking water, and use it for watering your plants or put it in your dog's water bowl."

"And check out the bathroom!" continued Jenny. "Look at your shower head. It's a water-waster. You can replace it with the water saver and conserve tons of water!"

"That's very true," added Captain Bluegill, "and look at your toilet. You can save water by filling a plastic bottle and putting it in the tank. You will save that amount of water every time you flush."

"Look at your backyard. See the end of your hose?"

"What's wrong with the hose? There is nothing on the end!" Billy asked with a frown.

"Exactly," said the Captain. "There is nothing there. If you had a nozzle that shuts off every time you lay the hose down, it could keep gallons of water from running down the storm sewer."

"And finally, if you collect rainwater from your gutters in a container without giving the mosquitoes a place to breed, you could use it for all kinds of things, like washing your car, bike, pets, or watering your lawn and indoor plants."

"Wow" exclaimed Billy, " there are so many ways to conserve water, if you just look around. I never thought I could save that much in one day! From now on I am going to do all I can to let others know about these easy ways to save water."

Water Conservations Tips

• Turn off your water while brushing your teeth or washing your hands.
• When you do dishes, fill the sink with soapy water, wash as many dishes as you can, and then rinse them off, instead of doing them under a running water faucet.
• Water the lawns late at night or early in the morning when it is less likely to evaporate vefore the plants can use it.
• Do full loads of laundry
• Take shorter showers

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