Archive for “Environment and Sustainability” Category

Efficient and Effective Outdoor Watering is a Key Component of Conservation in the Desert

May 20, 2022

Here in the Valley, most of our water use occurs outdoors and not inside the home. With such a significant amount of our water being used outside, it highlights the importance of being efficient with our outdoor water use, especially during a historic drought, changing climate, and Colorado River shortages. As our temperatures rise, so does outdoor water use in …

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Photo of a drip emitter

Plant of the Month: Ironwood — The Desert’s Oldest Nurse

May 12, 2022

Feeling melancholy as you sweep up the spent yellow petals of your Palo Verdes? I understand why: when the “month of monochrome yellow” is behind us, the baking summer is upon us, and most plants (and people!) sober up to prepare. Don’t despair yet, though—late spring wildflowers still surround Saguaros wreathed like brides with white blooms. And, now is the …

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Arbor Day: Because Trees are Nature’s Superheroes

April 26, 2022

Trees Are Superheroes Why do we celebrate Arbor Day, a day set aside just for trees? These superheroes of nature cool our environment, they help clean our air by absorbing carbon dioxide while also producing oxygen, and they provide habitat for wildlife. They help us save air conditioning costs in summer when properly placed around buildings to provide summer shade, …

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Shade Tree in front of home

Water Awareness Month: Be Water Aware

April 21, 2022

With the arrival of April, we celebrate Water Awareness Month, a perfect opportunity to learn more about water management and the importance of conservation in Arizona. In Arizona, it’s essential to understand water and realize that our daily choices affect our collective future, especially in our desert climate. That is why being more water aware will ensure we continue building …

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New Certified Water Efficient Home Program for Tempe Residents

March 18, 2022

Tempe residents… This one is for you! Tempe Water Conservation and Efficiency has rolled out a new program called the Certified Water Efficient Home. Now Tempe residents have the opportunity to self-certify their home and receive a yard sign along with a water conservation kit to display as a symbol of their dedication to saving water. What does it take …

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Valentine’s Day with Wayne Drop

January 26, 2022

Hey Everybody! Wayne Drop here… Valentine’s Day is coming up! Here are some fun messages to share with your crush… along with some water-saving tips they will be sure to love.   Water you wading for? Be mine. We love our earth and the special gifts it gives us, especially water. We have 100+ tips to help you save it. …

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Top Five Blogs of 2021

January 10, 2022

2022 has arrived! Let’s take a “drip” down memory lane. Here are our top 5 blogs from 2021. #1 Plant of the Month: 5 Plants That Can Take the Southwest Heat It’s no surprise that the biggest challenge to growing plants in our region is the intense heat and dryness of summer, which is a stressful environment for plants. Thankfully, there …

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Caring for Your Landscape When the Weather Cools

December 15, 2021

We have experienced above-average temperatures throughout the fall season, but now with the arrival of December and with the start of meteorological winter, temperatures should begin to cool. Meaning it’s a perfect time to get your yard ready for you and your winter guests to enjoy. Plus, correctly maintaining your desert-adapted yard during these chillier months will also help make …

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Detecting Sneaky Leaks: How to Find a Plumbing Leak at Home

December 7, 2021

Here’s something many homeowners agree on: Water leaks are trouble! Aside from causing a dramatic rise in your water bills, they can cause damage to ceilings, cabinets, drywall, and compromise wooden structures. Surprisingly, plumbing leaks are rampant even in newer houses. While unfortunate to note, not all plumbing leaks are obvious. That said, leak detection is not as straightforward as …

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7 Habits to Fall in Love with this Fall

November 15, 2021

The weather is cooling off and cuffing season has begun! Love is in the air, and it got us thinking… what are some easy water-saving habits to fall in love with this Fall? Fall in love with checking for water leaks. Break-up with avoiding fixing leaky faucets and save water and money. Fall in love with sweeping your driveway or …

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Fall Planting with Water – Plant It Wisley

November 1, 2021

The fall planting season is here! Temperatures are cooler, making it a perfect time to replace your plants you may have lost during the hot summer, or replace your high-water-usage plants with water-thrifty ones. Water – Plant It Wisely: The Ultimate Fall Planting Resource Put your gardening gloves and shovel to work and get your landscaping on par with the …

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WaterSense Labeled Homes: Building in Water Savings for Arizona

October 11, 2021

We all know that water is an important resource, and Arizonans may understand that better than those in other parts of the country. In an area such as Central Arizona, saving water not only saves money and energy, but it also helps to ensure that communities will be able to grow and thrive for the next generation. WaterSense® is here …

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