Ah yes, Earth, a planet that contains all of the aesthetically pleasing images one can dream up. If you search up “Earth” on your phone, computer, or iPad, you’re sure to find multiple images of maps with over-simplified drawings of the world divided into 2 colors — blue and green. Despite the mass amounts of blue that seem to outweigh the green, we here in California still manage to find ourselves in one of the worst droughts ever.

   If you didn’t already know, California is going into its fourth year of the ongoing crisis. California’s extreme drought will cost the state’s economy about 2.7 billion dollars or more, according to USA Today (usatoday.com). Not only that, but the drought also cost consumers “an extra 2 billion dollars in power bills” because of the effects it left on hydroelectric stations (bloomberg.com). This drought is rapidly becoming a problem for everyone and it’s about time that we started doing something to help conserve the water that is so preciously slipping away from us.

   I know for a fact that I’m not the only one who enjoys eating out, and I love to dine at sit down restaurants. But next time you’re in a diner and you order a glass of water, make sure that you actually drink it. If I had a penny for every time I walked past a half full cup of water left at a table when the customer has left, I’d have quite a chunk of change.

   When people hear the words “water conservation,” they immediately think to one of the worst water guzzlers — showers. At first, taking a shorter shower might seem like a hassle, but as you get used to it, you’ll become more accustomed to taking five-minutes-or-less showers. “To conserve water, I like taking to short showers,” said Teacher Joe Krupens.

   It’s common knowledge that everyone uses the bathroom, and that we use it multiple times in one day. For this conservation tip, it might seem a little out there, but it definitely helps conserve water in a way you might not have thought of. “If it’s yellow let it mellow, and if it’s brown flush it down, because every flush is just a waste of water,” said Sophomore Nicole Vincent. This may not be a pretty method, but it will definitely save water. However, it’s by no means mandatory.

   Another good way to conserve water is to wash your car at an actual car wash, and not do it yourself. “I enjoy washing my car at a car wash because they reuse the water,” said Krupens.  Many UC  High students drive to school or have a car that they own. Even though it might seem a bit on the expensive side, car washes actually reuse the water that goes “down the drain,” which truly helps to conserve water.

   Conserving water doesn’t have to be a chore, and by following these conservation tips, you might just help save California a large amount of water. Although these are just a few ways to conserve water, there are plenty more ways out there as well.

   “Since we do have a limited amount of water, I think the San Diego community should focus on reducing their water use,” said Sophomore Aleksa Kostic. “We live in an area where drought could potentially hit us the hardest, so I honestly don’t think people should be viewing this as a chore. It’s just common decency to our environment,” said Freshman Meriel Labaco.

    So, an ugly brown lawn may be an eyesore, but it you are helping to conserve our precious resources, maybe it’s worth it. And at least that chore of mowing the lawn can be put off until times are not so tough.