In 2008 two all Girl Scout robotics teams qualified for the FIRST LEGO League Central Texas Championship. Each team was required to research a particular environmental issue as part of their participation. The Techno-Girl Scouts researched drought conditions in Central Texas.
As part of Blog Action Day (a day when bloggers come together to discuss the same topic and create global buzz), GSCTX is pleased to share their findings, as recorded in early 2009. Through increased awareness, we can all lessen our impact on the environment and slow global climate change.2008 Drought Facts
- Rainfall was well below normal during May and June, typically the first and second wettest months.
- Summer 2008 tied with 1998 for the hottest summer on record.
- Hot temperatures led to very high evaporation across the entire region this summer, with about twice the average evaporation rate in June and July.
- There were 50 days this year with temperatures at or over 100 degrees in Austin (including over 20 consecutive days in June).
- September was one of the driest on record.
- Most areas received less than half the normal October rain.
- 2008 is the sixth driest year on record for Austin.
- On Oct. 31, 2008 year-to-date inflows into the Highland Lakes were less than inflows over the same period in 2006, which were the lowest on record since 1942.
10. Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
9. Use a hose nozzle or turn off the water while you wash your car.
8. Direct water from rain gutters and AC systems toward water-loving plants in the landscape.
7. Use sprinklers that deliver big drops of water close to the ground. Smaller water drops and mist often and evaporate before they hit the ground.
6. Adjust your watering schedule each month to match seasonal weather conditions and landscape requirements.
5. Wash your pets outdoors in an area of your lawn that needs water.
4. Keep a bucket in the shower to catch water as it warms up or runs. Use this water to flush toilets or water plants.
3. Save water and time by washing your face or brushing your teeth while in the shower.
2. Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered not the house, sidewalk or street.
1. Share water conservation tips with friends and neighbors.
Girl Scouts can positively impact our environment through the new Forever Green program, by attending a nature and outdoors related program, by completing an environmental service project or many other Mother Earth related activities.
If you are interested in the Girl Scout robotics teams, please contact the EDGE.
-Techno-Girl Scouts & Cheryl Lowe
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