“Did You Know?” will be a monthly feature that shares information on various topics that affect our Common Home, such as plastics, aerosols, water, compost, etc. This feature will address and offer a challenge pertaining to the following Laudato Si’ Goals:

  1. Response to the cry of the Earth
  2. Adoption of a simple lifestyle
  3. Ecological education
  4. Community engagement and participatory action

Outdoor Water Conservation

  • Use a broom or blower, not a water hose, to clean driveways and sidewalks.
  • When your kids want to cool off, place your sprinkler on your lawn that needs it most.
  • Use porous materials when making walkways and patios to prevent wasteful run-off.
  • Water your lawn in the early morning or late evening and only when needed.
  • Use a drip irrigation system or soaker hose for your garden.
  • Install a rain barrel or two to collect rainwater for your plants.
  • Mulch beds with natural mulch products to retain moisture and reduce the amount of water plants need.
  • When planting, use native grasses and plants that need less water.

Sources: Rainbow International Restoration and Gulf Coast Water Authority

CHALLENGE: Choose one of the above ideas to conserve water outdoors.