The Red and Black

Issue date: 12/7/07 Section: Opinions

KENNETH LINSLEY

Much to the delight of mothers and girlfriends everywhere, "No Shave November" has come to a close. From patchy peach fuzz to full on Grizzly Adams, evidence of men around campus laying down their razors is still abundant.

I got an early start on this annual tradition this year; I haven't scraped two razor blades (nor five, which is ridiculous in and of itself) across my face since Sunday, Oct. 14. Before any of you call foul, let me explain my jump on the competition.

You see, Athens has been in a level 4 drought since Sept. 17, which restricts outdoor watering all day, every day. While I don't shave out on my back patio, I take this to mean we are in a very serious situation where all water use should be scrutinized. This type of drought doesn't come around very often…as in once every one hundred years.

Mayor Heidi Davison's voice kept popping into my head each morning as I stood in front of the faucet, letting the water run as I met society's norms for working professionals to be clean shaven. She was saying "Come on Athens, think at the sink!"

And so I did. I thought about how much water I used while shaving. According to some estimates, it's as much as 3 to 5 gallons if one leaves the water running. And so began the growing of the beard.

The signs of scruff often draw comments from friends, family, and coworkers. Fortunately, most tell me that I wear a beard well. Of course my dad thinks it's ridiculous, but I think he just has beard envy. Long gone are his days of a beard that isn't spiked with white and gray.

This isn't my first beard, and it probably won't be my last. But this beard, this one is special. It has become more than just a way for me to conserve water. Reality check. I wasn't shaving every day before growing a beard. At best I'm saving 20 gallons of water a week. Sure, every drop counts, but the water level in Bear Creek Reservoir is not going to rise by my actions alone.

No, this beard has become more about drought awareness. When asked about why I'm growing a beard, most assume it must be for "No Shave November," but I reply, "This is my personal contribution to water conservation and awareness."

I realize that growing a beard is not for everyone.

Places of employment have strict rules, the ladies are not always fans, and some of us are just not blessed in the facial hair department. But you can do your part to continue to conserve water. Use an electric razor. Turn the water off except to rinse. Follow any of the 75 steps listed on the Athens Clarke County Web site (www.athensclarkecounty.com/publicutilities/think.htm).

So, the next time you see someone with a few extra whiskers walk by, think about how you can conserve water. And ladies, don't think you're not included in this. There's no reason those legs and underarms can't go au natural during "Don't Care December," "Just 'Cause January," or "Facial Hair February."


- Kenneth Linsley is a career consultant at the University.

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