With water rates getting more and more expensive, and the introduction of mandatory water rationing programs being introduced throughout most of California, replacing grass with regional drought-resistant plants is a smart move. However, major changes to landscaping can be a scary thing. Hopefully, this post provides you with the inspiration you need to tackle your own home transformation.

In this first edition of a new series called Home Transformation – Before & After, we feature this home in Southern California

When rinsing soapy dishes, water is rushing down the drain, which can now be equated to dollars rushing down the drain. But wait! There is an easy and painless solution.
Place a plastic basin in your sink to catch the rinse water, which you can then throw on your lawn or your garden outside. This will also be a good excuse to switch to natural bio-degradable dish soap, which will not harm your lawn or plants.
This basin holds 6 gallons of water and fills up remarkably fast. It really makes you …

For most people, the word sustainability and a career in environmental conservation, is considered new. However, Michael Laurie, owner of Watershed L.L.C. based in Vashon, Washington, sustainability and a career revolving around environmental activism is something he has been doing for over 25 years! He is currently a sustainability consultant specializing in indoor and outdoor water efficiency. He has a BS in Environmental Science from Western Washington University, an Associate of Technical Arts in Energy Management from Edmonds Community College, and a Masters …

Earth Day is April 22nd and will be here before you know it.  In case you haven’t solidified your plans yet, here is a list of 5 things to do with the whole family to encourage energy conservation.

-Visit an Earth Day event in your area to hear about water and energy conservation tips, and techniques.  To find an even in your area visit Earth Day Network to find a location near you.

-Bike to the local Home Depot to pick up a free EcoSmart compact fluorescent light bulb.  This deal begins …

If rain is in the forecast please be kind enough to shut off your automatic watering systems.  I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen the irrigation systems running along the side of a freeway in a rainstorm.  When the soil seems to be dry about 2″ down, it’s time to water again.  This is assuming you don’t have a rock garden for a lawn, which isn’t a half bad idea.

It is time to take control of our utility and water bills.  States across the nation are experiencing rising rates, California’s water rates are rising up to 40% in the next 2 years, if it wasn’t time for action before, it certainly is now.  Please do not think that this list should only hit home for the people already facing rolling blackouts and water restrictions.  We all need to do our part to conserve resources, even if your rates haven’t gone up yet, it has affected us all.  Yes, I …