Water catchment

Water catchment just got easier. There are quite a few governmental agencies that regulate water. They have gotten together and made it doeable for the everyone including residential home owners! This is a very exciting developement for those of us that want to try to re use the water that could be re used or to capture the water that falls on our roofs. "The Oregon State Plumbing Board last Friday passed new standards that will allow homeowners to install systems that reuse wastewater for flushing toilets. The board also created a statewide standard for rainwater harvesting in residential and commercial buildings."

Summer things you can do right now to reduce your carbon footprint

1) Get clothes lines to dry your clothes with. It's easy! I used to do this as a kid and it was such a nice smell. I have one now and it I still like the way my clothes smell! No chemicals either
2) Grow some veggies. We all have some where that you can grow a plant. If you don't have dirt, do a patio garden. Growing your own food means it travels from your back door to your table! Besides, it tastes better if you grow it yourself ;)
3) Go on a bike date and do a picnic! How fun is that!! On a serious note though try riding or taking the bus once a week. It is easier and less time consuming than you think. Think of it as an adventure.
4) Consider starting a garden share in your neighborhood. I always have too much garlic so I can always share that. My neighbor always has too many apples. so why waste it? Share it. Gleaners is a great organization to give food to and they share it with people who need it.
5) With you kick back from uncle Sam buy an energy star appliance. Don't think bigger is better. Buy it for your actual needs.