Theme examples: Growing food or gardens

Example 1: DIY drip irrigation - This is when you reuse a plastic bottle to slowly drip water into the soil near a plant’s roots.

• You poke small holes in the bottle
• Fill it with water
• Turn it upside down in the soil
• This saves water because the plant only gets what it needs, and less water runs away or evaporates. 

Example 2: Watersmart garden routine - This means watering plants at the best time, not just whenever. 

• Water early in the morning or late in the afternoon 
• Check the weather so you don’t water when it’s going to rain 
• Decide how much water different plants need 
• This helps plants grow better and stops water from being wasted. 

Example 3: Simple runoff barrier - When it rains, water can wash dirt and rubbish into drains and rivers. A runoff filter catches the dirty stuff before it reaches the river. 

• You might use gravel, sand, leaves, or plants 
• Water can pass through, but rubbish gets trapped 
• This helps keep rivers cleaner and healthier. 

Theme examples: Soil and garden water use

Example 1: Mulch test - Mulch is things like leaves, bark, or straw that you put on top of soil. 

In this test, compare: 

• Soil with mulch
• Soil without mulch
• You’ll see that mulch helps soil stay wet for longer and protects it from drying out. 

Example 2: Soil water retention comparison - This experiment shows how water moves through soil.

• Pour water onto different types of soil (sand, clay, garden soil)
• See which soil holds water best
• This helps us understand which soil is better for plants and gardens.  

Example 3: Rainwater collector - This is a way to collect rainwater from roofs. 

• Rain goes into a bucket or tank
• The water can be reused for gardens or cleaning
• This saves drinking water and uses rain instead. 

Theme examples: Community

Community

• 5-minute shower challenge
• Tap-off reminder signs
• Refill station 

Example 1: 5-minute shower challenge - This is a challenge to help people use less water when they shower.

• Use a timer, a song, or a stopwatch
• Try to finish your shower in 5 minutes or less. This saves water and energy.
• You could make this a neighbourhood challenge!
• Invite people on your street to join in
• Keep track of how many people try the challenge
• Celebrate together if everyone takes part
• Bonus idea: 
  You could organise a street BBQ, shared afternoon tea, or picnic as a prize or celebration for everyone who joins the challenge.
• This helps save water and brings people together. 

Example 2: Tap-off reminder signs - These are friendly reminders near taps.

• Signs that say “Turn me off!”
• Pictures that remind people to save water
• They help people remember not to waste water. 

Example 3: Refill station at school - A refill station is where students can fill their drink bottles.

• Instead of buying plastic bottles
• Everyone brings their own bottle
• This reduces plastic waste and helps the environment.