Harvesting Rainwater, Grey Water, & Landscape Water Recycling

So you’ve replaced your lawn with drought resistant natives, installed low-flow shower heads and faucets, upgraded your appliances to water saving efficient washing machines and dishwashers, and cut your water usage. What’s next? Well that’s where minds (and laws) are changing due to the long drought. Here in California, as with most of the Southwest, we are experiencing record drought …

DIY Landscaping, Water Conservation and Stormdrain Runoff Pollution

I love to come up with creative Do It Yourself (DIY’s) ideas to solve issues, and this one is not only environmentally friendly, but it is also beautiful and beneficial! How we landscape can solve a lot of problems with storm water runoff and drainage, helping to recharge aquafirs, filter toxins and generally reduce pollution of our waterways and oceans. …

The High Line Park Redevelopment – New York City

A perfect example of green re-purposing- turning an aging and abandoned elevated railway into a public greenspace. The High Line Park in New York city is probably my favorite urban walkway (with Seattle’s SAM Sculpture Park not far behind) with it’s architectural elements, art displays, and multi-use abilities. Originally opened in 1934 to reduce the on-street crossing accidents and deaths, …

Green Driveway Path Options

Create a green space on your driveway- Do it yourself or professionally installed with so many options! A while back, I wrote about Green Driveways and Paths, which ended up being a pretty popular article. I figured that it would be helpful to see your options when it comes to porous surfaces, permeable paths and eco-friendly driveways. Green driveways not …

Composting with Local Cafe Coffee Grounds

If you have a composting pile or bin for your home garden, then you should head down to your local cafe and pick up these compost boosters. Coffee shops throw away tons of used coffee grounds each year, grounds which are better suited for your garden. Many cafes offer these grounds to their customers if you just ask. Some Starbucks …

Recycle Your Greywater Into Your Landscaping

Harvesting rainwater is a great way to reuse the free water from the sky, however, unless you have a lot of rain barrels and a lot of rain, the dry season will cut your supply short- or will it? Grey water is another great source to recycle from since it is just being wasted by going down the drain. Greywater …

Eco Friendly Green Driveways – A Living Permeable Driveway, Porous and Alive

I have always been a fan of permeable driveways (except in my younger skateboarding days). They allow for absorption of runoff, recharging aquifers, and naturally filters the water before it reaches ocean, lake and river outfalls, improving water quality. It reduces the dangers from flooding and the need for huge storm drains and channels. Additionally, it can help with the …