When it comes to water most of us in the U.S. use a lot more than our fair share. If you don’t believe me I highly encourage you to check out Flow, an amazing movie all about water use. However, it’s easy to cut your water use with some basic tactics. Try the following three ideas, or even just one or two to cut both your water use and water bill.

For about $5 you can install some basic faucet aerators. The step seems small but one nice little aerator can save an average household around 6,000 gallons of water per …read more

It’s important to use water wisely. While yes, we have big oceans, and yes it rains, water is limited. Over the years  water supplies have remained at basically the same level but demand has further and further increased, which is where we’re going to run into problems.

As noted in the award-winning documentary FLOW…

Of the 6 billion people on earth, 1.1 billion do not have access to safe, clean drinking water (www.charitywater.org).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency currently does not regulate 51 known water contaminants (www.foodandwaterwatch.org).
The average American uses 150 gallons of water per day, but those in developing countries …read more

A rain garden is not terribly different from a traditional garden but it is a more efficient garden. Rain gardens use rain (shocking right) and stormwater runoff as a perk. They use this extra water to their advantage other than allowing it to cause a problem. A rain garden also incorporates smarter plant choices, such as water loving plants vs. plants that smother with too much water.

Creating a rain garden is something you can do on your own, although it is an involved process and you may want to check with a local landscaper or your local community extension office …read more

Pesticides and other harmful chemicals you put on your lawn are not only detrimental to the air, water, and soil (i.e. the whole flipping planet) but the health of your family and community. The pesticides you use for lawn care don’t stay on your lawn. You and your family drag them into the house on your shoes. Pets run through the lawn and spread the pesticides. And particles drift off into the neighborhood. Yay! Instead, keep it green and healthy by reducing your overall use of pesticides – in fact, many people don’t use any pesticides at all.

Here’s how to …read more

You don’t have to make grand green gestures, sometimes all those tiny steps you do add up significantly. The next time you’re feeling bummed because you haven’t built an eco-home, bought a hybrid, or planted a tree, choose one of these small steps, add it to your day, and feel better. Bonus if you work in many of these small steps throughout your week!

Pay you bills online – why have mail come to you? It’s a waste of gas and paper plus costs more.
Take your reusable bag to the pet shop. Or video store, or mall, or even the library. …read more

So, sadly, I must have been living under a cave, because I’ve never seen this handy dandy little tool…

The Water Watch Fan Sprayer/Nozzle allows you to monitor your hose water use by the gallon as you water your garden, or wash your car, dog, gutters, etc. You attach the nozzle to your hose and as you spray the meter keeps track of your water consumption. Super cool! AND you could totally set goals using this, as in, “This week I’ll try to use so and so gallons.” Made of high-impact ABS and stainless steel and doesn’t need maintenance supposedly.
I love …read more

Watering seems simple enough. Turn on the water, pour on plants; right? It’s not actually that simple. Here are some watering tips to keep your garden lush, but not a swamp or desert.
Deep, infrequent watering is better than light frequent watering. Root growth is far better encouraged when you water deep and less vs. all the time, and healthy roots mean a healthy plant.
If a plant is supposed to be in moist soil (check seed packets or your fave gardening book) you should never allow the surface soil to completely dry out. If your plant is ok in dry soil …read more