Honeybees and sustainability: not necessarily two words you may have expected to see in the same sentence, but they do actually belong!

This fascinating insect known as the honeybee is the tool by which we harvest and ultimately consume the sweet product known as honey. And harvesting honeybees and their sweet honey is no small task and no small business.

According to PBS.org, there are many tens of millions of honeybees in the U.S. alone, parts of colonies that consumers rely on for their honey, wax and more.

Honeybees play a huge role in our commerce and agriculture. According to PBS’s “Nature,” honeybees “pollinate about one-third of crop species in the U.S. Honeybees pollinate about 100 flowering food crops including apples, nuts, broccoli, avocados, soybeans, asparagus, celery, squash and cucumbers, citrus fruit, peaches, kiwi, cherries, blueberries, cranberries, strawberries, cantaloupe, melons, as well as animal-feed crops, such as the clover that’s fed to dairy cows. Essentially all flowering plants need bees to survive.”

Another key to what makes it so very important to understand honeybees is that honeybees in the U.S. have also been ravaged by Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). While it is still unclear precisely what has caused so many colonies to incur bee losses, part of the problem may be attributed to parasites and pesticide usage and a lack of proper education as to ecological implications of beekeeping and how to best integrate bees into their local surroundings.

With an eye toward the future and an understanding of the significance of the honeybee, numerous sustainable beekeeping practices and programs have been started to help beekeepers to keep their colonies healthy and to become better-versed in how to take care of their colonies. Some individuals suggest the answer lies in breeding and raising honeybees that are “[r]esistant to diseases and parasitic mites to reduce the amount of antibiotics and pesticides used in bee colonies and to ensure that our breeding methods and stock are accessible to beekeepers everywhere” and thus lead to a reduction in pesticide use.

One program is a pilot program at the University of Georgia, called the Honey Bee Program, the goal of which is to “emphasize sustainable bee health management as well as more basic questions on bee pollination and foraging ecology. In all its initiatives, the UGA Honey Bee Program aims to develop research, teaching and extension initiatives that are locally responsive while globally relevant.”

Another interesting program is Sustainablebees.org, the purpose of which is to “establish an integrated program of scientific development, education and community support directed toward reestablishing, strengthening, growing and sustaining regional honeybee colonies that are a critical component in the pollination of local food production and overall health and biodiversity of our plant environment.”

There are many interesting ideas on how best to keep our honeybees, a vital agricultural resource, safe and to do so in a sustainable and environmentally-friendly way, through reduction in pesticide use, local growing, breeding and more. Stay tuned and learn more about what methods are most effective!

Pesticides: we’ve all probably heard the term before, but what exactly does it mean?

According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences – National Institutes of Health, “A pesticide is any substance used to kill, repel, or control certain forms of plant or animal life that are considered to be pests. Pesticides include herbicides for destroying weeds and other unwanted vegetation, insecticides for controlling a wide variety of insects, fungicides used to prevent the growth of molds and mildew, disinfectants for preventing the spread of bacteria, and compounds used to control mice and rats. Because of the widespread use of agricultural chemicals in food production, people are exposed to low levels of pesticide residues through their diets.”

Much of the information that we have on pesticide concentration in fruits and vegetables comes from pesticide testing data collected by the US Department of Agriculture, which  has completed pesticide testing in 11 states on more than 95 commodities, including fresh and frozen fruits and vegetables, grains, dairy products, poultry, beef and more. The USDA’s Pesticide Data Program has also tested for more than 450 different pesticides.

The NIEHS notes that scientists do not fully understand exactly how pesticides affect humans.

This may mean that pesticides can be more innocuous than some people believe, or more harmful in the long term. The answer for some has been to attempt to avoid pesticides entirely, in favor of fruit and vegetables grown “organically” (which simply refers to agricultural growth without using pesticides).

But how exactly do consumers determine which conventionally grown fruits and vegetables are possibly ‘dirtier’ than thought and should be swapped for their organic cousins?

The Dirty Dozen
To answer that question, the Environmental Working Group assembled a list of the “Dirty Dozen” fruits and vegetables to avoid (due to high concentrations of pesticides) and the “Clean 15,” a list of organically grown fruits and vegetables considered “cleaner” alternatives. According to the Executive Summary of the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce, “The Shopper’s Guide to Pesticide in Produce will help you determine which fruits and vegetables have the most pesticide residues and are the most important to buy organic.”

The EWG’s Dirty Dozen list includes the following commonly consumed fruits and vegetables:

• apples
• celery
• strawberries
• peaches
• spinach
• imported nectarines
• imported grapes
• sweet bell peppers
• potatoes
• domestic blueberries
• lettuce
• kale/collard greens

The EWG recommends buying organic alternatives to the aforementioned foods, particularly the top three (apples, celery and strawberries). According to the EWG, “98 percent of conventional apples had pesticides.” Celery fared no better, as it was noted that “Highly contaminated, celery tested positive for 57 different pesticides.” It was also noted that “some strawberries had as many as 13 different pesticides.”

The Clean 15
The “Clean 15” list offers hope, however, for those consciously seeking out foodstuffs with low to no levels of pesticide residues. The clean list includes the following:

• onions
• sweet corn
• pineapples
• avocado
• asparagus
• sweet peas
• mangoes
• eggplant
• domestic cantaloupe
• kiwi
• cabbage
• watermelon
• sweet potatoes
• grapefruit
• mushrooms

The ‘cleanest’ of the clean included onions (ranked #1), sweet corn (ranked #2) and pineapples (ranked #3). Conventional onions, the EWG notes, are a “a clean crop. Less than 1 percent of samples had any pesticides.” Sweet corn provides a sweet and clean source of energy as well, as “98 percent of all frozen and sweet corn samples had no detectable pesticide residues.”

Those individuals interested in finding out the typical pesticide concentration in some of their other favorite fruits and vegetables can also consult the full list of 53 fruits and vegetables, ranked from highest to lowest concentrations of pesticides, gleaned from testing data from the USDA and the Food and Drug Administration.

What is alright to eat and what simply is not alright to eat?

Simplistic as it may seem, this is a question that has vexed more than its fair share of askers. Depending on your dietary restrictions, personal taste and sense of the morality tied to the consumption of certain foods, it can get confusing what is chic to eat and what is never hip to gobble.

For those who are most concerned with consuming seafood produced through programs given the green light of sustainability, one organization that has been informative is Seafood Watch.

Seafood Watch (which is actually a program through the esteemed Monterey Bay Aquarium) is an excellent resource for those seeking to gain a better understanding of the issues affecting ocean life, and more specifically, issues relating to sustainability and harvesting food from the sea. The program’s web page notes that it has been actively “making a difference since 1999.”

One important way in which Seafood Watch encourages responsible stewardship is by introducing to readers the major issues affecting the oceans, harvesting and sustainability. Interested readers can educate themselves by visiting the Issues page and reading up on what some experts feel have led to current issues, and how to address such issues in an environmentally responsible manner. (The listed issues include Aquaculture, Wild Seafood, Seafood Report and Fishing Methods.)

Seafood Watch offers a handy Seafood Recommendations search tool, which offers expert opinions on which seafood is considered a “best choice” (meaning it is “abundant, well-managed and caught or farmed in environmentally friendly ways”), a “good alternative” (meaning it is “an option, but there are concerns with how they’re caught or farmed – or with the health of their habitat due to other human impacts”), seafood to “avoid” (meaning consumers should “[t]ake a pass on these items for now. They are caught or farmed in ways that harm other marine life or the environment”) and seafood that goes on “The Super Green List,” which lists “wild and farmed seafood that’s healthy for people and the oceans.”

The Super Green List items must satisfy three criteria: first, they must already be selected as “best choice” foods. Next, they must also contain “the daily minimum of omega-3s “(at least 250 milligrams per day [mg/d])” and must also contain “Low levels of contaminants (below 216 parts per billion [ppb] mercury and 11 ppb PCBs).” This list includes as its big winners wild-caught Alaskan salmon, Pacific sardines, freshwater Coho Salmon and Rainbow Trout.

Seafood Watch offers region-specific guides as to what seafood is the best and most sustainable choice per region. (And there are also Mobile Seafood Guides.) For example, the West Coast Guide classifies the following U.S.-seafood as being among the “best choice” selections: tilapia, White Seabass, US bottom longline cod, Pacific halibut, Alaska wild salmon, Arctic Char and U.S. farmed trout. “Good alternatives” include California halibut, squid, wild clams and Alaskan Pollock. West Coast seafood to “avoid” include imported shrimp, Pacific blue and striped marlin, grenadier, Chilean Seabass/toothfish, imported King Crab and imported swordfish.

The Southwest Guide recommends the following as “best choice” seafood: farmed Arctic Char, Alaskan wild salmon, U.S. farmed Rainbow Trout, farmed mussels, Pacific halibut and U.S. farmed tilapia. In the Southwest, Seafood Watch recommends avoiding some of the following: Orange Roughy, Brazilian spiny lobster, Asia farmed tilapia, monkfish and imported King Crab, among others.

Seafood Watch offers many useful recommendations for safe seafood consumption, and also has a large variety of other (national and international) resources to consult to learn more about issues affecting the ocean and sustainability, and how consumers can make an impact when they educate themselves on the environmental issues. These resources include links to additional sources of information on fisheries management, seafood and human health, and resources specifically targeting restaurants and retailers, and resources for educators.

Other useful sources include the Marine Stewardship Council, which provides a special certification to certain seafood designated as fulfilling certain sustainability criteria. Interested readers can visit the MSC to find MSC “certified sustainable seafood” and identify fisheries designated as participants. The Natural Resources Defense Council also offers a consumer guide to mercury levels in fish, for those interested in identifying the overlap between health and sustainability.

Knowledge is power, and Seafood Watch is one powerful way to further one’s understanding of current “green” stands on marine life.

By Susannah Kopecky.

Part 1: Identifying the Issue

Alas, the aforementioned heavy metals are not, in fact, fun elements that provide a party for the environment, but are instead metallic elements which can have a profound and profoundly negative impact on our environment as we know it, not to mention our bodies.

According to Physicians for Social Responsibility, “The term heavy metal refers to any metallic chemical element that has a relatively high density and is toxic or poisonous at low concentrations.” Some noted (heavy) metals which are known to be particularly dangerous for humans include arsenic, lead and mercury. The human body is not the only victim of metals, however; the environment has fallen prey to the various mechanisms by which we mine and extract metal from the ground.

This is not to say that metals, or the common need for metals, is a bad thing, as we need metals every day, such as zinc, mercury, nickel, tungsten, iron, copper, gold, aluminum and silver. According to the American Geological Institute’s Environmental Awareness series, these metals and more “are vital building blocks of our civilization.” According to the Environmental Protection Agency, “a general definition [of metals] based on physical properties is that metals are a large group of substances that are opaque, form alloys, conduct heat and electricity, and are usually malleable. More than 80 of the 125 known elements fit this definition.” Simply put, metals are required for basic functions in life, and are essential in the vast majority of activities in society today, such as communication, transportation and shelter.

According to Physicians for Social Responsibility, “Each year, the $1.5 trillion global chemicals industry produces tens of thousands of substances that permeate the environment and affect the health and well-being of humans across the planet. On any given day, people are exposed to a wide array of chemicals, from industrial pollutants in the air, to pesticide residues in foods, to heavy metals in drinking water.” The AGI notes that some of the main environmental issues associated with mining for metals include: the physical disruption of landscapes “as a result of mine workings,” increased “acidity of soils” (which can then “be toxic to vegetation and a source of metals released to the environment”), “degrade surface and groundwater quality as a result of the oxidation and dissolution of metal-bearing minerals,” and increased levels of “air-borne dust and other emissions, such as sulfur dioxides from smelters, that could contaminate the atmospheres and surrounding areas.”

It was only relatively recently that mining companies began to take a closer look at the footprint they were leaving upon the environment. Decades of slipshod practices and a devil-may-care attitude left a legacy of lands pillaged and left leeched of nutrients, poisoned soils (with the introduction of chemicals in metal-extracting processes), and water sources contaminated from mining adventures, among other lasting impacts. And while more environmentally-friendly practices are coming into vogue in some areas, so long as a huge demand exists for metals, the opportunity for negative environmental impacts remains, particularly as not all nations have embraced the use of environmentally-friendly mining practices (including China, which exports a huge amount of metals we use). However, there are ways to work on reducing the need for such metals, such as through recycling and increased use of synthetics! Read on…

Part 2: So What?

Sometimes identifying the problem itself can be the easy part. When it actually comes down to determining a feasible solution, sometimes it might seem easier to curse the proverbial darkness than to light that brilliant candle of creativity. But fear not, oh friends of the environment: there is a way to help Mother Earth, without entirely giving up your way of life.

Metals, as mentioned before, are all around us, and are vital to life. Metals provide instruments to conduct electricity, materials by which to construct vehicles such as cars, trains and plains, tools necessary in twenty-first century technology, teaching opportunities (particularly in labs)  and even provide ways to preserve food. (Tin foil to cover yesterday’s lasagna, and a can of soup, anyone?) For many years, human beings have relied on metals to help in many ways in their daily lives, so to ask individuals simply to give up using metals would be unrealistic. What individuals can do, however, is to seek out ways every day to reduce the new of new metals, in some of the following ways:

Recycle! Recycling has been the “cool” things for decades – and with good reason! Recycling is not just a hip trend, but has many followers and recycling can boast real effects. According to the United States Geological Survey, “in 2009, the United States recycled 58 million metric tons of selected metals, an amount equivalent to 73% of the apparent supply of those metals.” Metals require a significant amount of effort in their extraction, and yet, metals can last for a very long time. In essence, because “metals are important, reusable resources,” there is no reason why they should be mined at the same levels, when individuals can simply recycle the metals they already have. The USGS points out that “The reusable nature of metals contributes to the sustainability of their use. Recycling, a significant factor in the supply of many of the metals used by our society, provides environmental benefits such as energy savings and reduced volumes of waste.”

Creativity in the Lab: Another way to reduce a common use of metals (particularly heavy metals) is to decrease their use in laboratory and school environments. The University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign’s Division of Research Safety offers a number of tips on how to reduce metal and heavy metal usage, including by eliminating the use of metals “as catalysts… by simply allowing more time for the reaction to come to completion.” The university also points out that “precious and semiprecious metals can be precipitated out of solution,” such as silver, the “reclamation of [which]… is a very common practice.”

Metal Substitutes: Though metals are reusable and can be used repeatedly, other options should also be considered, when it comes to reducing man’s dependence on metals. And scientists and businesspeople have kept their eyes toward organic synthetic metal substitutes for some time. Scientist and Nobel Prize winner Alan G. MacDiarmid noted that “an organic polymer that possesses the electrical, electronic, magnetic, and optical properties of a metal while retaining the mechanical properties, processibility, etc. commonly associated with a conventional polymer” is also “more commonly known as a synthetic metal.” Interested consumers can do their homework and learn about who may be investing in or utilizing metal substitutes rather than supporting metal mining traditions.

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Indomitable optimists realize the infinite potential of all: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” – President Teddy Roosevelt. Susie “Danger” Kopecky is a regular contributor to Green Living Press.

By Susie Kopecky.

Reduce, reuse, recycle, the saying goes! And today, the organization which touts that very same catchy slogan, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) encourages consumers seriously to think outside of the box when it comes to being a responsible environmental steward. Responsible use need not be confined to recycling a soda can and reducing the amount of waste you produce. Consider how, as a whole, you can add a splash of green to all facets of your life. You can even become a little more green through your use and disposal of technology! In 2008 alone, one e-waste recycling program through the EPA helped to recycle “68 million pounds of used consumer electronics” – WOW!

It has never been easier to recycle your electronic devices and associated devices. Most people are probably familiar with the bins to recycle old printer cartridges at the local tech store, for instance. But did you realize just how extensive of a network of e-recycling exists? There is even a non-profit group formed in 2005 which is dedicated to helping consumers recycle electronics, the National Center for Electronics Recycling. The NCER lists four main reasons why it is important to recycle electronics: to conserve natural resources; to support the community; to create local jobs; and to protect public health and the environment. And according to the NCER, 25 of the 50 states already have laws in place regarding electronic waste and recycling. The NCER makes it easier to reduce e-waste by providing links for consumers to find local recycling spots.

Today, there are numerous great programs which exist to help facilitate more environmentally-friendly ways to trade in and dispose of electronics and associated devices. The Environmental Protection Agency’s Wastes program offers an informative look at quite a few companies and governmental organizations which are actively involved in cutting down on electronic waste accumulation, and finding ways to reward consumers for recycling and being a little more conscientious, in terms of their environmental footprint.

A few of the businesses which the EPA lists as active and approved electronics recycling partners include  Dell, Best Buy, Staples, Nokia, Sony, Verizon, eBay and phone magnate AT&T. AT&T’s program (AT&T Reuse & Recycle) is a “national recycling program to make recycling easy and accessible for everyone” which aims to invite consumers “to bring unwanted wireless phones, smartphones, accessories and batteries (regardless of the manufacturer or carrier) to AT&T company-owned retail stores for recycling.” There are also rewards for consumers who choose to recycle their phones: all AT&T stores participate in the FlipSwap’s program, which allows for the swapping of older cell phones, in exchange for “promotional card[s],” the opportunity to “offset the cost of some of the latest wireless devices or the purchase of other At&T products and services.”

While those who turn in their older devices at AT&T stores and the like are not necessarily guaranteed cash rewards, e-recycling websites such as EcoSquid allow consumers to check right away if their old devices will fetch anything, by searching value listings depending on the devices make, year and/or name.

Many businesses simply offer visitors a box in which they may deposit electronics which are no longer used, and which may be recycled, while other companies do rely more on financial incentives. Either way, there is no shortage of ways to help the environment, and dispose responsibly of unused or unwanted electronics. Many of the older but still-useful electronics are sometimes refurbished and donated to the needy and to students, which may provide another incentive to recycle. One responsible and useful recycling program of sorts is Intel’s STRUT program, or Students Recycling Used Technology (in Silicon Valley, Arizona and Oregon). According to the Silicon Valley Branch of STRUT, STRUT “emphasizes education and curriculum to complement… recycling” and over the last few years, the program “placed over 500 free computers, printers and networking devices with area schools.”

Talk about making a difference through recycling!

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Indomitable optimists realize the infinite potential of all: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” – President Teddy Roosevelt. Susie “Danger” Kopecky is a regular contributor to Green Living Press.

By Susie Kopecky.

We know there are many options when it comes to your garden and waste management. Are you not thrilled at the idea of the compost heap because of the infamous tales of curious smells emanating from within said mysterious piles? Fear not, gentle composter: there are ways to go green through composting, without having to sacrifice your nostrils!

Composting is nothing new. And it is recognized as a valuable way to reduce large amount of waste. According to the EPA, “yard trimmings and food residuals together constitute 26 percent of the US municipal solid waste stream.” Composting is a fairly basic, low-tech way to deal with home and garden waste while also benefitting the yard. Compost can be defined as “organic material that can be used as a soil amendment or as a medium to grow plants,” and contains humus, which is “created by: combining organic wastes (e.g., yard trimmings, food wastes, manures)… adding bulking agents (e.g., wood chips)… to accelerate the breakdown of organic materials.”

However, as in any process where organic materials break down and are reabsorbed, certain gases are released and smells may accompany such processes. The EPA lists some benefits of composting as that compost piles can be both environmentally-friendly and friendly to the pocket book, offering “cost savings of at least 50 percent over conventional soil, water, and air pollution remediation technologies, where applicable.”

Okay, so there are clear environmental benefits to using a compost pile, but what about the smell which seems to present the largest obstacle to widespread compost acceptance? Such a notorious smell is actually the result of incorrectly composting. According to EcoCycle.org, such a smell should not accompany a correctly-formed compost pile, as “Healthy compost smells like soil. If your compost is smelly, that’s a sign that it needs more air.” What is also rather remarkable about this is that “the compost process works best at temperature between 120 and 150 degrees,” according to as How To Compost, which offers useful tips for compost beginners.

Does your garden smell bad, naturally? No, and neither should a compost pile. It is with the addition of outside materials (which are not appropriate to a compost pile) or overloading of a pile, which can create the unpleasant smell too often associated with compost heaps. A compost pile should be full of basic ingredients such as leaves and trimmings, and generally, should not be treated as a catch-all trash pile. Certain foods which attract wild animals should not make up a significant part of the pile, as animals will come and the smell of the breakdown of such food items may be disturbing. How To Compost also advises composters to stay away from “meat or pet droppings,” and to instead keep it simple, and “stick with food scraps and yard waste only.”

EarthEasy.com recommends keeping a balance of around carbon-rich (“like branches, stems, dried leaves… bits of wood… shredded brown paper bags, coffee filters, egg shells… peat moss”) and nitrogen-rich matter (such as “manures, food scraps, leafy materials like lawn clippings and green leaves”) within each composting pile, with the carbon material dominating. And if smells do emanate, EarthEasy also recommends “adding lime or calcium” to the pile, or “carbon-rich elements such as straw, peat moss or dried leaves” or covering “new additions to the compost pile with dry grass clippings.”

The good news is that if smells do arise from compost piles, they can generally be attributed to three possible causes. According to Compost-Bin.org, the three unpleasant smells which can come from compost bins can be traced to ammonia, hydrogen sulfide and volatile fatty acids. To combat common sources of smells, Compost-Bin.org recommends “churn[ing] and add[ing] bulk material to compost such as bark mulch, to prevent compost compaction”; keeping the compost pile at the proper temperature (not getting too low, as it should not be much below at least 100 degrees); making sure not to allow for “proper ventilation” so as to avoid the accumulation of too much moisture; and making sure there is the proper carbon-nitrogen ratio, as an overabundance of once can lead to the undesired smells.

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Indomitable optimists realize the infinite potential of all: “Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs, even though checkered by failure, than to rank with those poor spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much, because they live in the gray twilight that knows not victory nor defeat.” – President Teddy Roosevelt. Susie “Danger” Kopecky is a regular contributor to Green Living Press.

By Staff Writer Susannah Kopecky.

August: the third official month of summer, and a month infamous for its high temperatures. And as often happens with high heat and a lower average rainfall, the late summer months see a corresponding increase in water use comes. While we cannot change the temperature, we can amend our water use practices this summer. What comes to mind when water conservation is the topic at hand? You might be surprised to learn that water conservation entails better and more efficient practices both inside and outside of the home. Some experts have estimated that at least half, if not the majority, of home water use is dedicated to outdoor usage. Let’s focus specifically on straightforward and perhaps creative ways to save water in the garden this summer.

• Capitalize on natural advantages: when can you use a smaller amount of water and make it last for a long time? Water Use It Wisely recommends “[w]ater[ing] your lawn and garden in the morning or evening when temperatures are cooler to minimize evaporation.” Particularly in the heat, it is far more efficient to water your plants and garden early in the day.
• Be aware of your surroundings. Becoming familiar with native plants can help you to save water. Xeriscaping is one way to sustainably save water and have a thriving garden. According to Sustainable Resources, Xeriscaping involves “quality landscaping that conserves water and protects the environment.” Oftentimes this is accomplished by planting plants which are native to an environment and/or which have a low water need already. By embracing the art of Xeriscape, one can save considerable amounts of water in the garden.
• Take it a step further, and be aware of your soil. As the City of San Luis Obispo Utilities points out, “Understanding your soil is vital to implementing effective irrigation.” Doing a little bit of legwork can go a considerable way, when it comes to determining what kind of soil you have to work with, and what plants will be best suited for it, in terms of water need. The City of San Luis Obispo points out that by better understanding the type of soil residents have to work with, they are better prepared to “increase the effectiveness of applied water.” Noting that there is a “high percentage of clay” soil within the town, the city offers tips on how to stretch water in a clay-high environment, such as through watering “deeply,” watering “infrequently” and “adding organic matter” to “directly increase the water holding capacity” of the clay soil.
• Collect water in a bucket when watering your garden, and/or know exactly what you need to water and how much, rather than simply turning on the hose and milling about the garden. Though a straightforward technique, it might surprise you just how much water can be saved if you plan ahead exactly what you want to water.
• Install a drip irrigation system. Colorado State University defines drip irrigation as a “technology [that] uses a network of plastic pipes to carry a low flow of water under low pressure to plants” and which sends out water “much more slowly than with sprinkler irrigation.” CSU also claims that this system of irrigation “exceeds 90 percent efficiency whereas sprinkler systems are 50 to 70 percent efficient.”
• Another option to consider is installing a smart sprinkler controller. Smart sprinkler controllers an efficient and cost-effective way to save both water and money (in the long-term). Smart sprinkler controllers and drip irrigation systems are both useful alternatives to outdated sprinkler systems which are not closely regulated for water use.

By Staff Writer Susanah Kopecky.

What appliance do you guess accounts for over one-quarter of indoor home water usage? Would you believe the answer to that question can be found in the water tank of your restroom? And did you ever consider how much water you can conserve indoors, by investing in a greener appliance?

We have the responsibility of dealing carefully with our water, as water is a uniquely precious resource for life. It is not only wise to consider long-term water-saving solutions, but many organizations offer financial incentives to those who invest in more water-efficient devices. We have focused on various ways to save water outside of the home this summer, so let’s take some time also to consider how to save water inside this summer, and save some serious money in the process!

Consider another water-saving device: a more water-efficient dishwasher. The water savings are clear: According to BeWaterSmart, an “Energy Star qualified dishwasher… can save 500 to 800 gallons [of water] per year.” According to EnergyStar.gov, a pre-1994 dishwasher can add “an extra $40 a year on your utility bills compared to owning a new ENERGY STAR qualified model.” A newer, ENERGYSTAR efficient machine could potentially help its owner to “save enough money to pay for dishwasher detergent all year.” According to BeWaterSmart, “By replacing a pre-1994 dishwasher with an Energy Star qualified dishwasher, you can save more than $30 a year in utility costs, or $300 to $350 over the lifetime of the appliance.”

At a time when every dollar counts, why not consider investing in the future?

Purchase a more water-efficient washing machine. Many water providers and governmental organizations offer rebates and other financial incentives for consumers who purchase designated water-efficient devices, such as machines that are given the stamp of approval from Energy Star (an environmental and energy program overseen by the EPA and the Department of Energy). Those who purchase certain qualified washing machines may be eligible for rebates.

In Florida, Miami-Dade County supports the use of more water-efficient washing machines by offering rebates to those who purchase them. According to Miami-Dade County’s Water Conservation site, more water-efficient clothes washers only use around half of the water that “older, non-efficient washers” require (compare about “15 to 25 gallons of water per load, compared to 40 to 45 gallons”).

In California, the City of Arroyo Grande offers a Water Efficient Washing Machine Rebate Program for those who purchase specified water-efficient devices. The city hopes that through this program, it can “encourage the use of water efficient appliances, with the added benefits of energy efficiency.” Rebates for $100 and $150 are available.

In the Northwest, the WashWise Clothes Washer Rebate Program offers rebates to those who purchase ENERGY STAR-approved washers. Participating cities and utilities include the cities of Kirkland, Redmond, Tukwila, the Covington Water District and Seattle City Light. The program notes that “678 million gallons of water” have been saved since the 2007 start to WashWise, in addition to continuing “conservation efforts… [to] preserve natural resources, protect habitat[s] and maintain a healthy environment for the Puget Sound region and beyond.” Here is one excellent way to go green, save water, and support an organization with positive environmental aims.

Another surprising way in which you can save water is through investing in a more water-wise toilet.  According to the EPA’s WaterSense program, toilets are an important place to look when determining how to become a wiser water user, as “[t]oilets are by far the main source of water use in the home, accounting for nearly 30 percent of an average home’s indoor water consumption.”

Certain approved models can help homeowners to save significant amounts of money on utility bills (in some cases, “more than $90 per year in reduced water utility bills, and $2,000 over the lifetime of the toilets”). And depending on when your toilet was installed, you could save incredible amounts of water and money. According to BeWaterSmart, by replacing a pre-1980 toilet that uses “7 gallons [of water] per flush,” you could potentially save more than 40,000 gallons of water per year!

In the end, common sense goes a long way. As is the case with saving water outdoors, there are also many low-tech, straightforward ways to save water indoors. One of these includes turning off the sink while brushing your teeth and performing other hygienic tasks. Only turn the faucet to the “on” position when you need to get water. Remember that many programs want to help consumers to save water and money. Consult your local water district and city website to see if you, too, can save water and save money, and get some financial assistance while doing so!

By Staff Writer Susannah Kopecky.

It was only a few short years ago in 2008 that low water yields and dry weather caused former Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to declare California to be in a state of drought. Certain measures and water-use regulations were put into place during the drought, including restrictions on the hours during which homeowners could run their sprinklers.

Earlier this year on March 30, Governor Jerry Brown declared that California was no longer in a drought.  However, it is important that we understand the lessons of the drought and continue to appreciate and utilize the water-saving strategies and technologies that came about as a result of water scarcity.

One significant technology which rose to greater prominence in this time was the smart sprinkler controller. What makes a “smart” sprinkler controller so smart? The term “smart sprinkler controller” refers to a class of automated sprinkler control systems which can do quite a number of impressive tricks, including properly gaging water needs according to a number of factors including climate and plant type; scheduling watering times according to plant need; and restricting the amount of water used, to conform to state and local mandates.

Today, particularly in California, water is a precious commodity.

Numerous water delivery agencies and government agencies encouraged and continue to encourage residents to use smart sprinkler controllers to take care of their lawns and gardens. The Association of California Water Agencies’ Save Our Water website encourages visitors to change their water-use habits, both inside and outside of the home, noting that contrary to public opinion, “[t]he truth is that in some areas, 50% or more of the water we use daily goes on lawns and outdoor landscaping.”

The website urges residents to focus on their irrigation systems, noting that by being vigilant and making sure only the correct areas are being watered and are being water efficiently, the average resident can save around 15 gallons of water per watering.

The website also points out that a “smart controller” (also known as a “weather-based irrigation controller”) “will automatically adjust the watering time and frequency based on soil moisture, rain, wind, and evaporation and transpiration rates.”

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California points out that another benefit of the smart sprinkler controller is that by receiving real-time weather updates, it “will automatically reduce the watering times as the weather gets cooler and less water is needed.”

And in addition to making watering that much easier, smart sprinkler controllers can often pay for themselves within a short time of their purchase, as users can save noticeably on monthly water bills. And if the price tag is of concern, potential users should also be aware that many water agencies (and some government agencies) offer rebates to those who purchase smart sprinkler controller systems.

Water districts such as the Casitas Municipal Water District, the Metropolitan Water District (MWD) of Southern California and the Regional Water Authority’s Be Water Smart program include links to rebates and/or participating cities sna d organizations offering smart controller rebates. The MWD Save a Buck website points out that 66% of its smart sprinkler controller rebates are still available. Its program runs through April 30, 2012.

Learn more about how you might be able to save money, save water and become a little more green by investing in a ‘smarter’ way to water your landscape!

By Staff Writer Susie Kopecky.

It’s June: the weather is warming and the sun’s inviting rays beckon us to lean back and take in the delicious longer days.

While we enjoy the gorgeous summer season, it is important to keep in mind the responsibility we all have as environmental stewards, in weather fair and not-so-fair. And there are many easy, interesting and enjoyable ways to conserve water at home.

Specifically, let us focus on ways by which the average homeowner may save water through creative landscaping and incorporating more drought-tolerant plants into their landscape.

According to the California Department of Water Resources, “California faces a real challenge to meet the water needs of a growing population with a limited supply of water. To meet this challenge, water use in landscapes must become more efficient…and even modest improvements can have a cumulative effect in saving a great deal of water.”

Regions of Southern California, such as Los Angeles, are deserts, albeit deserts that clever men and women have made bloom. To sustain these and other communities with a relatively modest amount of water, various creative solutions must be embraced. Some of these solutions are rather common-sense, such as the turn toward native plants, which are used to receiving less water in familiar, drier conditions.

Every region of California, dry and moist, has a specific set of native plants which are known to thrive in these particular conditions. Many organizations, such as the California Native Plant Society (CNPS), can help you to get your drought-tolerant landscaping started by identifying appropriate native plant species. The CNPS lists some of the benefits of planting native plants, including “low maintenance,” significant water savings (“Once established, many native plants need minimal irrigation beyond normal rainfall”) and “wildlife viewing,” as “research shows that native wildlife prefers native plants.”

CalFlora is one great resource which can assist interested individuals in determining precisely which plants are native to their towns and are expected to grow with minimal water use.

Another way to creatively address the statewide water challenge is through the fine art of xeriscaping. Xeriscaping goes hand in hand with the use of native plants, as this is another practice which is quite water-conscious.

What is xeriscaping, you might ask? According to the California Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle), “Literally, the word xeriscaping comes from a combination of two other words: ‘xeri’ derived from the Greek word ‘xeros’ for dry; and ‘scape’, meaning a kind of view or scene. While xeriscape translates to mean ‘dry scene,’ in practice xeriscaping means simply landscaping with slow-growing, drought tolerant plants to conserve water and reduce yard trimmings.”

The good news is that there are many lovely and readily accessible plants that are xeriscape-friendly, and are even known to be fire-retardents, which is even more good news for residents of California, a state which sees its share of wildfires each summer. And as CalRecycle points out, xeriscape-friendly plants are not necessarily native plants: “While indigenous plants are naturally accustomed to local climates and therefore good choices for water and waste efficient landscapes, xeriscaping doesn’t mean planting California native plants only.”

Xeriscape plants are also known for needing “low pruning and maintenance,” for “thriv[ing] with little fertilization,” for “conserve[ing] water” and “providing] lots of attractive planting options.” Some attractive and fascinating species of these include the juniper, the lavender, the blue mist, the American Holly and the succulent ice plant. Numerous websites provide extensive lists of plants suitable for xeriscaping, including the Wheat Ridge Water District, Washington State University’s Horticulture and Landscape Architecture site and the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.