It’s that time of year again, when the days are longer, the weather is warmer and landscapes tend to become a little drier or require more water.
As green industry pros, conserving water is a big part of our job. That’s why the Irrigation Association launched Smart Irrigation Month, to create a community dedicated to promoting the social, economic and environmental benefits of efficient irrigation technologies, products and services.
Here are three ways you can do to get involved with Smart Irrigation Month and become a Smart Leader.
Advocate
Smart Irrigation Month is all about championing water efficient irrigation technology and best practices in landscaping, farming and everyday use. A main function of Smart Irrigation Month is to advocate for communities and local lawmakers to proclaim the month of July as Smart Irrigation Month. This makes July the official month of Smart Irrigation Month in communities around the country and adds credibility to the need for water management, helps educate citizens about local water issues and highlights solutions, rebates for homeowners and businesses in your area.
So how can you do this? The Irrigation Association has a sample proclamation on their website that can be downloaded.
Engage
As a green industry professional, engaging with the community and customers to highlight Smart Irrigation Month and the importance of water efficient irrigation is critical. You can do this by:
- Spreading the word on social media
- Reaching out to local newspapers, TV news stations or radio stations
- Connecting with the community offline
Social media is a great tool for engaging with the local community. Facebook Groups can help you find local groups such as small businesses or homeowners. You can share educational information about Smart Irrigation Month or information about your company’s water-smart practices to market your company as a Smart Leader. The Irrigation Association also had an annual Smart Irrigation Month campaign on social media that you can get involved with by using the #SmartIrrigationMonth hashtag and by sharing these social media graphics.
You can also engage with the community by reaching out to local media, such as newspapers or radio stations and sharing a press release about Smart Irrigation Month. The IA has some sample press releases you can download and customize.
Online engagement is only one avenue you can connect and engage with the community on water efficiency issues. Talking to your customers and community members in person is another way to increase awareness of Smart Irrigation Month and the importance of water efficiency and position yourself as a Smart Leader.
Talk to your customers after you’ve completed a job about Smart Irrigation Month and how they can help save water or reach out to people at local events by sharing these consumer resources.
Use smart technology
When it comes to Smart Irrigation Month and water efficiency, the best way to get involved with the movement is to walk the talk—use water efficient technologies and products whenever possible.
Ewing Irrigation & Landscape Supply has a variety of water efficient irrigation products, tips and tools that can be found on our website or by reaching out to your local Ewing store for more information.
How are you advocating for water efficiency this Smart Irrigation Month? Let us know in the comments below.
