Water-related charities are dear to my heart (Read how you can help, one way I help, and why it’s important.) so I love seeing companies sharing their resources to help bring clean water to people in need. Earlier this year I was invited to Central America to help drill a well with WeatherMatic, as part of their Save Water | Give Life campaign. I wasn’t able to go this time, but I made them promise to tell me all about it when... MORE >
It’s hard to believe today is my 30th birthday. I don’t usually ask for presents, but this year I’ve decided to make an exception. I’m asking all my friends and family to donate to charity: water and give clean water to people who need it, instead of giving me gifts. I may not know you, but I’m going to ask anyway – Want to celebrate with me? I mean, April is also Earth Month AND Water Awareness Month, so you... MORE >
Back in the late 1990’s I enjoyed playing SimPark on my Windows 95 computer. The premise of the game was to introduce prey and predator into the safari so there was a harmonious balance. It sounds easy, but nature would take its course and the harmony would quickly fall out of balance. Every time you would add one resource there would be a ripple effect over time you had to try and balance. “The Ripple Effect” explores mankind’s attempt to control water... MORE >
There is little doubt in my mind we are headed toward another drought in California. If you look at the drought monitor for California we are quickly trending in the wrong direction. It’s been a little over a year since Governor Jerry Brown declared the drought for California was officially over. Many periodicals and headlines proclaim the same great news. At the time I couldn’t help but wonder if the news was good or bad. At first glance, it was reasonable... MORE >
As potable water supplies dwindle and the cost per gallon rises, we have to be vigilant about how much we use and how we use it. One way to conserve potable water is to use non-potable water—rainwater, air conditioning condensate, stormwater run-off and treated wastewater—for purposes like landscape irrigation. Initiatives such as the United States Green Building Council’s LEED Program are driving the use of alternative water sources and the development of more efficient irrigation systems. This trend is further... MORE >
The theme for the fourth annual Sustainable Urban Landscape conference being held at Cuyamaca College March 8 is “The Bottom Line for Green is Black,” examining the ways that good landscaping practices can be a profitable business model in addition to helping the environment. Architect John Picard, known as the “green prophet” for his pioneering work in sustainability is the key note speaker for event. He was a founding member of the U.S. Green Building Council, a trade organization that... MORE >
When you were little, what did you want to be when you grew up? A rock star? A firefighter? A flight attendant? How about an astronaut? That’s a popular ambition. As a NASA-loving youngster you probably anticipated the thrill of blasting off into space, the giddiness of bouncing around in your gravity-free space station, the practicality of brushing your teeth with your own sweat. Wait, what? Gross. Oh, so bathing with fuel cell moisture and drinking condensed rat breath weren’t... MORE >
When I previously commented on my teenage daughter’s water use and the fact my water bill dropped in half when she went to college, she responded in kind with a short comment. Behind the scenes, I received several comments about her comments and requests for her to expand her comments to a full post. I hope you enjoy her post more than me. At the request of my “know-it-all” Father I have decided to write a small blog entry to... MORE >
