The arrival of spring begs the question: Did we even have a winter? It was the warmest—and third driest—season on record for the state of California.

Moderate to severe drought conditions currently exist for 99.8 percent of California, according to the U.S. National Drought Monitor, a reality not likely to change anytime soon. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recently predicted that this historic drought will persist through spring and into summer, with the threat of an active wildfire season looming.

The drought harms our state’s water reserves and food supply, and causes ripple effects impacting everything from wildlife habitats to energy production. Pope Francis describes the duty of the Church and its community of believers to respond to such a crisis: “In the end, everything has been entrusted to our protection, and all of us are responsible for it. … I would like to ask all those who have positions of responsibility in economic, political and social life, and all men and women of goodwill: let us be ‘protectors’ of creation, protectors of God’s plan inscribed in nature, protectors of one another and of the environment.”

Heeding this call to action, here are some surprising and simple ways you can cut back on water usage, courtesy of wateruseitwisely.com:

•  Avoid recreational water toys that require a constant flow of water.
• For hanging baskets, planters and pots, put ice cubes on top of the soil to give your plants a cool drink of water without overflow.
• Cook food in as little water as possible. This also helps it retain more nutrients.
• While you wait for hot water, collect the running water and use it to water plants.
• At home or while staying in a hotel, reuse your towels.

Every little bit counts!

Brought to you by Holy Family’s Environmental Ministry!