Archive for “Environment and Sustainability” Category

The Edible Gardening Series: The Basics of Water-Wise Edible Gardening

October 1, 2018

It’s October! Let’s rejoice with a sigh of relief for the unofficial end of summer, shall we? All at once now: ahhhhhh. Doesn’t that feel good? With cooler temperatures on the horizon, many of us in Arizona will be trading in the flip-flops for the trowel and tending to our vegetable gardens. All October long, we’ll be posting some of …

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Common Greywater System Mistakes to Avoid

September 28, 2018

Greywater systems are a great way to increase a household’s water efficiency. Overall, these systems are quite intuitive, but those that are new to greywater use can benefit from understanding where mistakes might be made along the way. It’s no secret that freshwater shortages are growing across the globe. One creative solution embraced by those concerned with the health and …

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SMALL SPACE? TRY USING SMALL, DESERT-ADAPTED TREES

September 18, 2018

It is far too common to see trees that are entirely too large for the yards they occupy. When trees with mature canopies reaching 30 foot or greater (like Ficus or Chilean mesquite) are planted in tiny front or narrow side yards, the amount of pruning needed to keep the trees a manageable size is overwhelming. Not only is it …

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Safer Choice is a Great Choice for Clean Water

August 21, 2018

Growing up in Florida, surrounded by water, I’ve always enjoyed the many recreational opportunities on its lakes, rivers, springs, and beaches. Spending so much time in such beautiful and pristine surroundings instilled in me an appreciation for the natural environment, as well as a sense of its fragility and need for its preservation. These feelings persist, perhaps even more strongly, …

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BUY OR REMODEL GREEN FOR COMFORT, HEALTH, AND WATER EFFICIENCY

August 7, 2018

Buying a new home or remodeling an existing one offers an opportunity to improve the comfort, health, and performance of your home by incorporating energy efficiency improvements, water savings, and indoor environmental enhancements. The following tips will help you make informed decisions, whether you’re planning to buy a new home or remodel your existing one. Choose or create the right …

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Water Harvesting Basics

July 24, 2018

Water harvesting is the capture and storage of rainfall to irrigate plants or to supply people and animals. It is one of the oldest known gardening methods. Water harvesting dates back to the beginning of agriculture. In the desert southwest, Tohono O’odham, and Hopi tribes still harvest rainwater after the onset of summer and winter rain. Did you ever play in rainwater as a child, building earth dikes and letting them go? …

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CELEBRATE AZ WATER AT PUMPHOUSE COUNTY NATURAL AREA

July 17, 2018

If you’re looking to Celebrate AZ Water in cooler temperatures, there is a fascinating area located in Kachina Village approximately nine miles south of Flagstaff in Northern Arizona. What is the Pumphouse County Natural Area? Pumphouse County Natural Area encompasses 125 acres and includes a spring-fed wetland and one of the rarest wildlife habitats in Arizona. This area forms the …

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Time to Program Your Irrigation Timer!

July 3, 2018

July is Smart Irrigation Month, so that means that summer is a great time to learn about controlling your irrigation timer. Just because you have one hanging on the side of your house or in the garage doesn’t mean you can set it and forget it! Unless you have a ‘smart controller,’ you’ll need to make periodic changes to the watering …

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Technology Changing the Future of Water

June 26, 2018

Technology – mobile phones, laptops, iPads, and the associated programs and websites – can help to make our lives easier. And now you can put that technology to use to learn about water and water conservation. There is something for everyone, from tracking your water use and finding and fixing leaks to being a scientist for a day by collecting …

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Four Simple Ways to Help Out With The Drought!

June 19, 2018

They’ve been hard to miss … stories about drought, Colorado River water shortages, and water restrictions in California and other surrounding states. Through actively managed water supplies and the development of extensive reservoirs and underground storage, Arizona has planned for moments like these (see 5 Things You Need To Know Right Now About Arizona’s Drought). But, that doesn’t mean that …

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MINIMIZE THE IMPACT OF POOL BACKWASH

May 29, 2018

Pools are a great way to beat the heat! However, summer weather can do a number on your pool: haboobs deposit dirt, blustery winds deliver shed flowers and leaves, and rain washes yard debris right into your pool. Just like cleaning up after the big July 4th party, your pool needs maintenance to keep the water crystal clear. Besides regular …

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FREE MONTHLY LANDSCAPE WATERING ADVICE SENT RIGHT TO YOUR PHONE

May 7, 2018

Spring is almost over, and summer is on the horizon! Which means it’s time to adjust your landscape watering schedule. But did you know that your irrigation should be adjusted monthly? It’s easy to set it and forget it — which could mean wasting water and money. To make life simple, the Arizona Municipal Water User’s Association (AMWUA) recently launched …

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