Summer is here, and with it, the bright sun, vacations, outdoor games, and… lots of heat! This time of year, we use more water: to shower after playing, to fill pools, to water plants, or simply to cool off. But did you know that summer is when it becomes most important to save water?
Water is a treasure that should not be wasted. Although it seems like it will never run out, in many places around the world there is already a shortage of clean water for drinking, cooking, or bathing. That’s why children can be great heroes for the planet if they learn to save water. You can do it too!
Water is one of the most valuable resources we have. All living things need it: people, animals, plants, and even insects. Without water, we couldn’t live.
In summer, because it’s warmer, we use a lot more water, and that can cause it to run out more quickly in some places. Also, if it doesn’t rain for several days or weeks, rivers and lakes lower their levels, affecting everyone who depends on them.
Even if you’re small, you can do big things for the planet. Here are some ideas for saving water in summer that you can try at home, at school, or on vacation:
🚿 Quick and fun showers
Instead of taking long showers, try to do it in less than 5 minutes. You can set a timer or sing a short song to let you know when to get out.
🚰 Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth
When you brush, don’t leave the tap running. You only need water at the beginning to wet your toothbrush and at the end to rinse.
🌿 Help water plants carefully
If you have a garden or potted plants, you can water them in the afternoon or evening, when it’s cooler and the water doesn’t evaporate as quickly.
💧 Reuse water
Did you know you can use the water you use to wash fruits or vegetables to water plants? Ask an adult for help!
🧼 Wash your hands without waste
When you wash your hands, you don’t need to have the water running all the time. Just turn it on to wet yourself and then rinse.
🏊 If you have a pool, cover it
If you have an inflatable or plastic pool at home, cover it with a tarp when not in use. This way, the water doesn’t get dirty or evaporate as quickly.
Conserving water can also be fun. Here are some ideas for family games:
• Daily Water Challenge: Each day, choose a mission (for example, “turn off the faucet while brushing my teeth”) and mark it on a calendar.
• Water Detectives: Search your house for leaks or improperly turned-off faucets. If you find one, tell an adult.
• Musical Shower: Choose a 4-minute song and try to finish your bath before it ends.
Imagine you’re a water superhero: your mission is to protect every drop of water on the planet. You don’t need a cape or magic powers. You just need to use your head and your heart. Every time you save water, you help more people and animals have what they need to live.
You can also invite your friends, siblings, or schoolmates to join your team. The more of us there are, the more water we’ll save!
Summer is a time to enjoy, play, and spend time with the family. But it’s also a time to be responsible and take care of water, which is a very valuable resource. If all children do their part, together we can make a big difference.
