Folks–
In my mind it’s usually best to try to avert disaster before it strikes, and “take what you need and leave the rest” has always felt good.
In light of the coming water crisis, which actually already is worldwide, I thought of some things I want to do. YMMV.
Even if you do have a low-flow toilet, keep flushing to a minimum. No details, but it really is OK to flush more during asparagus season.
Shower less. B.O. may soon become chic. I usually shower every two to three days (why I have no friends and nobody sits next to me on BART), and don’t really wash my hair that often and it still looks pretty good.
Of course: don’t leave water running when washing faces, washing dishes, shaving, lathering up or waiting for hair conditioner to work. This is harder to do than I would have thought. I intend to do better myself.
You remember those pitchers and wash-stands (often seen in the rooms over the saloon in a western)? I really wish I’d saved one from my great-aunt’s house in Ohio– they bathed weekly, but stayed fresh and clean with PTA baths (pits, tits and ass, if you must).
Try to kiss your grass goodbye. We have a dear friend in Palm Desert, of all places, who will be fined for not watering her lawn. What’s up with that? There are some amazing sericulture lawns even here in provincial El Cerrito. Most of our outdoor plants are succulent (no, we don’t EAT them!). The rest are soak-watered in the evening. We try to put used cooking water on the plants, but forget at times.
Get more mileage out of your clothes. David *hates* it, but I only put stuff in the laundry if it stinks or has visible schmutz on it. And, no, cat and dog hair is NOT dirt; it’s decorative. Not so sure about dog slobber. Socks and underwear, though– wash after one wear, go barefoot or regimental.
Damn, I really wish low usage would gain water credits. Too, I realize that this is totally un-American. And, really, golf should be banned in dry areas. To hell with Phoenix, Scottsdale and Palm Springs. Read a book, learn to knit, have more sex, ride a bike… again, YMMV. Just try to keep it all good ’til the last drop.
Peace, love, Woodstock Nation,
Bill
