Chill Out! An open response to the haters of the Ice Bucket Challenge

This is for all of you who have suddenly taken up such cause with the massive California drought. Let me ask you this – does your family and/or household live by the rule if it’s yellow let it mellow, if it’s brown flush it down? Are you decreasing the frequency and length of your showers?  Have you encouraged your golf-playing friends to boycott the green in an effort to conserve water? Have you ceased to cook all pastas and steamed veggies due to the large amount of water they require? If you answered no to any of these questions, according to many freshly angered faces on social media, you too would be contributing to the drought here in California. Do you have a swimming pool, hot tub or misting system? Do you have a water feature like a pond, fountain or birdbath for ambiance in your backyard?  Have you set up a kiddy pool, slip-n-slide, or sprinkler system for your littles this summer?  Yes? Well then you might be a contributor to the California drought you nasty drought doer! How about almonds or bottled water? Have you enjoyed any of those as of late?! If so you are a wasteful waterer you Droughty McDroughterson!

That’s right folks four of the most nationally recognized bottled water brands source at the very least a portion of their water from good ol’ California: Aquafina, Arrowhead, Crystal Geyser and Dasani. For a $12 billion industry, even a portion can be detrimental. What’s more bottling water to drink is an inefficient use of water. According to the laist.com, Dasani acknowledged that 1.63 liters of water are actually used for every liter of water packaged. Don’t worry they added the phrase, “Our California facilities continue to seek ways to reduce overall water use.”

Or this – did you know the California Agriculture industry uses 80% yes that 8-0 of the water consumption in California?

All I’m saying is yes, yes we are in the middle of a drought. It isn’t good. But it’s also 100+ degrees on most days in Los Angeles. Most days nothing sounds more refreshing than jumping into an ice bath for a few minutes. But I don’t. I don’t for many reason but one reason – one really good reason is because that’s a waste of water. Instead I enjoy a popsicle or sitting in front of my air conditioner while I burn another precious California resource: ENERGY.  

I’m asking you to lay off those of us who have chosen to participate in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge.  If for no other reason than the fact your argument is dumb – sorry to get elementary on you - but seriously this is a classic example of the fallacy of the single cause. There are many contributing factors to the California drought but this isn’t one of them. And if after reading all of this, you still believe it is, it certainly isn’t the main source. Please focus your new found drought savior-ness somewhere else – or to put it differently, “Go pick on someone your own size!”

Before I go back to my cool liquidy life, take this with you as you return to your hot sticky dry home: This little fund raiser that NO ONE dares to donate to? It’s raised $19.1 million in the last 4 days. Nearly triple the $11.4 mil they had raised 4 days ago and 18 times more than they had raised during last year’s ice bucket challenge at this time at $1.7 million. Enough with the reposts of the meme with the small black child ‘saying’ “Let me get this straight – you guys are wasting water in the middle of a drought to avoid donating to a charity?” It’s cruel and inaccurate. You’re waging war against who? The ALSA? Those of us participating? Complaining to complain. Bitching to bitch. There’s enough of that in the world and frankly I find it to be ugly and gross! Please stop, try to lighten up – or melt. The choice is yours.

Peace and Love,
Me & my big mouth