-Brianna Ganzon
In recent months, almost everyone with an Instagram can’t scroll down their feed without escaping an ALS Ice Bucket Challenge posted someone whom they follow.
The Ice Bucket Challenge entails this: Pour a bucket of freezing ice water on yourself and nominate several people to do so as well. If they accept the challenge, they have 24 hours to mimic your actions, but if they fail to do so, must donate $100 to the ALS Association.
I think that almost everyone can agree that the spreading awareness about Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) disease has benefitted the ALS Association in terms of donations for their research and care. ALS, commonly known as Lou Gehrig’s, is a chronic, fatal, neurological disease. It is a degenerative disease that kills nerve cells which control vital muscle functions.
While spreading awareness for a deteriorating disease like ALS is very admirable, Californians also have to become aware of the drought that plagues our state.
According to the theblaze.com, as of August 19th, 6 million gallons have been used by Americans partaking in the chilly challenge. This translates to 19,000 homes’ daily water usage being allocated to the challenge.
Another downfall of the challenge is that many nominees participate in the challenge while standing on the pavement. At the very least, you can redeem yourself while partaking in this waste of water by standing on a dry patch of grass.
At least the water that you dump on yourself will hydrate the greenery around you. It honestly drives me insane to see people sloshing close to six gallons of water straight onto the pavement when it can at least be recycled by watering plants.
Photo Courtest of pun.orgOn the other hand, many constituents don’t even know what the challenge is for. Basically, they’re wasting water and tittering around in a puddle of ice water without understanding the cause.
Don’t get me wrong, it’s amazing that the ALS Association has received over $100 million in donations. However, Californians in particular need to be aware of the fact that a drought is very present in our state. We can donate to the cause and spread awareness without producing detrimental effects on our environment.