May 24th, 2012

Drip line irrigation is a great idea for gardeners who want to save water and grow plants successfully.

By soaking the ground with water, the drip line approach mimics the effect of a gentle soaking rain, instead of battering leaves with a harsh jet of water like so many sprinkler systems do. More importantly, by slowly delivering the water to the soil and plants and not spraying it overhead the air, a drip line system can better target, and thereby reduce, the water needed for landscape or edible plants.

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November 12th, 2009

By Barbara Kessler
Green Right Now

Would you feel guilty if your toilet was “phantom flushing” or slowly leaking gallons of water a day?

Leak Alertor

We would, and we’d be concerned about the costs on our water bill too.

A Philadelphia-area company feels our pain. The company, nth Solutions, has invented the Leak Alertor to let you know when the water closet is out of control, so you can get in there and fix the flap or that other thinga-majig that makes the toilet behave.

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July 15th, 2009

By Shermakaye Bass
Green Right Now

It’s not always easy being green. Lourdes Rodriguez learned that the hard way. Earlier this year, the Round Rock, Texas, resident decided to replace a rickety cedar fence with a stylish new bamboo one.

Attracted by its eco-friendly qualities (only three to four years between harvests vs. cedar trees, which take up to 30 years to grow back), its durability and its ability to withstand the high winds and intense heat typical in her town, Rodriguez researched the project and eventually purchased the bamboo from Backyard X-scapes, a San Diego outfit. She paid approximately $3,000 for the bamboo, posts, stain and other materials needed for her 150-foot-long structure. She and her significant other, Doyce Jones, were excited by the prospect of an elegant-looking fence that was good for the environment, would last at least five times longer than a traditional wood fence and was significantly less expensive than cedar (those bids came in around $7,000).

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March 6th, 2009

From Green Right Now Reports

Looking to replace your windows this year? Well, look out, you may qualify for newly increased tax credits of up to $1,500 if you install an energy-saving product.

The new government stimulus package includes tax credits for energy-efficient home improvements such as installing new exterior windows, doors, air conditioning systems or insulation. The new legislation extends tax credits through 2010. Most of these improvements were increased from $500 to the new $1500 cap; a cap of $200 for windows was removed.

If windows are on your mind, SeriousWindows, of Sunnyvale, Calif., is promoting energy efficient models that it claims are 200 to 400 percent more efficient than regular old Energy Star rated windows.

Many other firms sell windows, and many of those meet the Energy Star designation; windows must at least meet that test to qualify for receiving a tax credit.

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August 11th, 2008

Low-flow toilets use 1.6 gallons of water per flush, compared to the conventional toilet that uses 3.5 to 5 gallons. According to the EPA, low-flow toilets also pay for themselves within 5 years with the amount of water conserved.

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August 11th, 2008

Showers account for 20 percent of indoor water use, according to the Enviornmental Protection Agency. Replacing a standard 4.5-gallon showerhead, with a 2.5-gallon flow can save a family of four 20,000 gallons a year.

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August 11th, 2008

A leaky faucet can waste 3,000 gallons of water each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Learn how to detect a leak.

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