Watershed Management Group is Making a Difference

The task of creating a more resilient community can often seem overwhelming, assuming one is even thinking about it at all. Fortunately more and more of us are not only thinking about it, but actively looking for ways to make a difference. There is so much to do. Effective change has as much to do […]

Adapting Las Vegas

For over eight years, I have shared ideas about Green Living in this space. The intent has been to hasten a shift toward sustainable community in Southern Nevada while also addressing big issues like climate change. There are many who share my concerns and I am grateful for the significant steps so many have taken […]

Water and Technology

Not long ago I heard about an interesting new product designed to make showering more efficient, reducing water use by 90% and energy use by 80%. The Orb-Sys or Orbital Shower is being developed by Orbital Systems in Sweden. The shower starts off with fresh water like normal, but instead of disappearing down the drain, […]

Las Vegas’ Green Decade Marked by Decathlon Success

UNLV’s Team Las Vegas brings lasting benefits to Las Vegas and visitors to the Springs Preserve with their award-winning DesertSol green home.

Edible Landscapes Delight the Palate!

Recently, I had the good fortune to participate in a panel discussion at the monthly meeting of the U.S. Green Building Council – Nevada Chapter. Appropriately, their meetings are held in a beautiful green building built with straw bales, one of several LEED-Platinum structures at the Springs Preserve. The topic was green homes and my […]

Nevada’s 2013 Conservation Scorecard

The Nevada Conservation League (NCL) is an organization that works for everyone in the state when it comes to environmental issues. I am fortunate to be a member of the board of directors for both the Nevada Conservation League and the Nevada Conservation League Education Fund. It is one more way I get to practice […]

How Fresh is Your Energy?

There are many ways to heat water but in the end, it really boils down to how we make use of the sun’s energy. Consider these two scenarios: Scenario One: Ancient Energy The process starts hundreds of millions of years ago. The sun shines down on our planet providing energy for plants and animals to […]

Finding Our Way With Water

Have you ever gotten really lost? I’m not talking about a wrong turn. Getting really lost usually requires some effort, like thinking you’re going the right way for so long that when you finally realize you made a mistake, it may be too late. It happens all too often, to people as well as cultures. […]

Flow: An Award-Winning Documentary About Water

There will be a showing of the award-winning documentary film Flow at UNLV’s SEB Auditorium on Tuesday, March 19th at 7 PM. It will be followed by a panel discussion. I’ll be there and I hope you will as well. Water is fundamental to our lives, especially here in the Mojave Desert. Irena Salina’s award-winning […]

Efficient Heat Pump Water Heaters

As homes become more efficient, the portion of energy used for water heating is growing larger. Collectively, the amount of energy expended on this simple task is astounding and much of it is wasted. There are many options for improving the efficiency of our water heating systems, including insulating the water heater and pipes, avoiding […]