Conan O’Brien has joined the battle against the Californian drought with a series of water conservation PSAs. The six short videos rolled out Tuesday across social media as well as TV and radio networks.
Working with the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and the drought awareness program Save Our Water, O’Brien and his sidekick, Andy Richter, humorously deliver important tips on reducing personal water use.
See also: PSA Fail: Kid’s Gambling Dad Gets Rich Betting on Germany World Cup Win
In one video, O’Brien reminds viewers to test their toilets for hidden leaks that can waste 100 gallons of water a day, as Richter quizzes his porcelain throne on the capital of North Dakota.
In another video, O’Brien tells viewers that taking a car to the carwash instead of washing it in the driveway can save 60 gallons of water. “You can save even more water if you clean your entire family at the carwash,” quips Richter.
Most of California is now classified as being in “exceptional drought,” one of the most severe drought classifications possible. As Mashable has reported, records suggest the current three-year drought is the worst in the state’s history, and will cost the agricultural industry $2.2 billion.
In January, Governor Jerry Brown called on Californians to reduce their water usage by 20%. Since then, state’s water usage has dropped by just 5%, a fact that has prompted the Water Resources Control Board to introduce $500 fines for wasteful activities like washing driveways and overwatering gardens.
O’Brien’s PSAs make viewers chuckle while showing them that very small, day-to-day changes like using a dishwasher and a swimming pool cover can help Californians reach its 20% conservation goal.
“Conan and Andy, true to form, offer their unique twist on how to cut water use in our everyday lives,” said Steve Fleischli, director of NRDC’s water program in a press release statement. “Mixing humor and advocacy is an effective way to reinforce the message that we can all do our part.”
However, only the most hardcore conservationists should take heed of the mock PSA O’Brien released a few weeks ago, suggesting that Californians drink sand instead of scarce water.
Have something to add to this story? Share it in the comments.
Article source: http://mashable.com/2014/08/05/conan-obrien-drought/