Conserve Water And Attract Wildlife

By Donnalynn Polito

Conserve water and draw in the wildlife. Can’t go wrong with that. Be conscious of water use and conserve water so you can be water wise. Did you know that 50% of the water used in landscapes can be saved by going to water wise or xeriscape gardening?

Need a new project? Take a look at your garden and see where you can make changes to save water, grow hardy, beautiful plants that take less water, no fertilizer and much less time. How fun is that!
Want more great tips on xeriscape? Check this video out.





So, I know what you’re thinking. This is all about the dried out west and how unconscious they are about their water use. Well, here’s a video about a xeriscape garden in Springfield, Missouri.

Tour of Xeriscape Garden in Springfield, Mo.




Live in a more rugged area and want more trees, take a look at this video. Don’t forget that groundcover works wonders over grass. What about a yard that goes downhill, or different kinds of irrigation systems, this video will give you some ideas.

Buffalo grass instead of fescue or bluegrass and only a quarter of the water, too. Don’t you just love all this info! Have fun.

Xeriscaping





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A Look Into The Effects Of Water And Air Pollution On Earth Beautiful

By Donnalynn Polito

The connection between air and water pollution may not seem evident on the surface, but look at little closer. As we work to clean up the air, our water has become damaged.

“Toxic Waters: From Air to Water” is a video that highlights just one example of our pollution problem not going away. The toxins produced from industrial plants is a big concern for people who live nearby.

Take youngsters like Taylor and Gabe, who live upstream from an old zinc smelting plant. Their love the water inspired Taylor and Gabe to do some research. Watch their video to see what they discovered.



Because most forms of pollution don’t respect national borders, worldwide efforts need to be made. Don’t get discouraged. There are many things we can do to clean up our water and many ways to prevent pollution in the first place.

Yep, you got it. You can start at home.

Signs Of Water Scarcity With Big Blue Melting

By Donnalynn Polito

Water may seem everywhere and may seem abundant enough. After all, when we turn on our faucets, we expect and get clean, drinkable water, each and every time.

So wrapping our heads around our biggest green challenge is a challenge all by itself. Clean, accessible water is the biggest green challenge we face.

Here’s another head warp. 2.8 billion people live in places with some degree of water scarcity. And, it’s predicted that 75% of the world’s population will be living in a water scarcity situation by the year 2025.

High on a steep hill, from my office, I can see a large blue swath of the majestic Pacific Ocean. A walk along the beach reveals dolphins jumping and pelicans diving. A surge of anchovies must have moved in.

“Water water everywhere, have you brought your boat?” was a billboard sign I saw many years ago, when I was in New York and very young, I might add. I always thought it funny and sorta nonsensical, but it has stuck with me for years. Good copy.

I found out later that the verse that stuck with me for years is actually part of an rhythm describing how ancient mariners were driven by the storms to eventually end up home again. I've included that verse here, but you can click on the link to read The Rime of the Ancient Mariner.

Water, water, every where,
And all the boards did shrink ;
Water, water, every where,
Nor any drop to drink.

Back in my office, high on a steep hill, this house may soon become shoreline property. Read more about how Big Blue is the next big green issue.