Water Conservation with Rain Barrels and More

A Wonderful Harvest

2007-08-27T08:39:00.000-06:00

I am having a meeting today with the powers that be in Rio Rancho, NM. Rio Rancho is next to Albuquerque. I am going to try to convince them that rain barrel rebates, and further public education on rainwater harvesting can make difference in the amount of water pulled from the aquifer and also in the quality of peoples' lives.

I love to garden. However, gardening takes water and unless you do some simple things the bills and the guilt may take a lot of please from that activity. I will be showing these nice people just what can be done with a little planning and even less effort.

Here is a picture of just some of the tomatoes I harvested from our small garden.

This garden has tomotoes, basil, thyme, yellow peppers, parsley, and they are watered only with water from our kitchen sink, rainwater and what we call "shower water". That is, water saved waiting for the water to get hot. The water from the kitchen sink is "pitcher water", water saved using the "Pitcher Approach" to water conservationl. That is we let the water run into a pitcher when rinsing fruits and veggies, a quick rinse of your hands, or anytime the water is barely used. We then put in a a rain barrel that is fitted with a 1/2 tubing drip system and gravity fed to water the garden. All free and easy.

I own Arid Solutions Inc.com and want people to save water but also to enjoy life!

For many people gardening is a quality of life issue. Let's help them continue enjoying life!

Albuquerque, Getting to Be a Simply Wonderful Place!

2007-05-09T13:29:00.000-06:00

I was just a at a luncheon at the Albuquerque Hilton where the forward thinking Mayor Chavez spoke of Albuquerque Green and the plans to make Albuquerque able to sustain itself. The Home Builders Assoc. hosted the event, I am a member and also a member of Build Green NM. I am proud to be part of this community that plans on taking care of itself by making the changes needed to continue to be a viable city.

It will take many people and many ideas brought together to give us a green and sustainable future. It is not just water conservation or greenhouse gases, it is all the parts of all the problems that need attention and modifications. The current codes, regulations, etc., need to be modified and quickly to get changes made. In particular the plumbing codes for new, innovative products to be main-streamed to the residents.

Thank you Mayor Chavez for the work it has taken to get us this far and your willingness to go even farther. You truly are making me feel safe about the the future.

New Year...New Store!

2007-01-01T08:32:00.000-07:00

I noticed my last post was in August, wow...I must have been busying doing other things than writing this blog. Yes, I have. We won't go into all of it but I have moved my home and home office. And I'll let you in on a secret....I am opening a kiosk location in Albuquerque! We are calling it "Eco-Mart" the kiosk for Arid Solutions Inc.com

I have not done a press release or even hung a sign yet but most of the stock is in place and I have actually had a couple customers already. I shared my secret with a couple of local people who wanted to give rain barrels for gifts.

The kiosk is located in the "The Doggie Door Company". Janet the owner is a licensed contractor who installs pet doors. She is happy to process your purchases of conservation products when I am not there. If things get too hectic she'll give me a call. My daughter is now working with me so we'll be able to keep the online store going strong and the kiosk.

Most of our customers have already educated themselves on the virtures of our rain barrels. As far as all our other products, composters, composting toilets, they have customer education info to read there at the Eco-Mart and people can always go online at www.aridsolutionsinc.com and of course customers can call and set a time to meet me there. The phone number is the same 505-281-7664 locally. Call to get exact directions. When Eco-Mart opens officially it will be on the web site with all the details.

Why did I do all this when an online store is so much easier to run? Because I started this whole business to help Albuquerque and New Mexico with its fresh water crisis. To bring a product to people to simplify water saving. But most of my sales were out of state! So I thought I could simplify the process for people. Also, I will not be charging shipping to those who pick up their rain barrels at the kiosk. They can still order and have them delivered nationwide for only $10 each...still only $10...for now anyway.

I am so proud of Albuquerque and its very concerned Mayor Chavez. The 2006 World Leadership Award for our water conservation efforts is such a compliment for all our and his hard work. I am happy and honored to be part of its growing green population.

So this secret is out. The sign is not up yet...but you now know!

rain barrels
sustainability
water conservation

Conserving Water When Abundant

2006-08-26T19:10:00.000-06:00

It has been a long time since I posted a blog. We won't talk about why. Anyway, the southwest has been hit with a monsoon season like I have never seen in my 20+ years in NM. People ask if I am selling more rain barrels because of all the rain...well, no. There is mindset that goes like this. If it rains every day for weeks in a row I don't need to save any. And it sort of does make sense but this is a fluke and won't last. Then those people will wonder why they didn't save some while it was here.

Also, we have gotten so much rain that the City of Albuquerque discussed whether they should cut back on water restrictions. Why bother? I say. When a person can only water on odd numbered days and it is raining the other days don't mess with it. Keep people watching how much they use and when. Because all this rain is...a fluke. With the discussion on the water restrictions I did not hear whether our aquifer has recharged at all. It would be great if it had but there have been no headlines yet about it. So I say keep the restrictions. It is only a fluke. Enjoy it while it lasts. And if you would like to save some...visit www.aridsolutionsinc.com

rain barrels
Albuquerque
water
water restrictions

Water Conservation Education?

2006-05-19T06:46:00.000-06:00

I have been refraining from writing this blog. They say never to write an email when you're angry, I figured that rule also applied to blogs. Well, I am still annoyed and less angry so I'll give it a go.

The City of Albuquerque launched its new water conservation education and public relations program. I have two major complaints.

1. The catch phrase is "Rout the Drought". I am a pretty intelligent, well read, business owner, www.aridsolutionsinc.com. I was brought up in the midwest and am over forty. I do not however read books about war battles where I am told that the word "rout" is commonly used.

I had to look it up. My daughter in college didn't know what it meant either. It means to defeat. Two major parts here is that one can not defeat a drought, one must adapt. Secondly, the majority of the people hearing these ads may not even speak fluent english and if they do chances are they don't read war novels. So it becomes a meaningless phrase that rhymes.

2. My second complaint is that the ads ask that people reduce their indoor water use by 10%. How????? How much is 10% when the faucet is on? Education is supposed to educate. Tell people how!

I was part of team that submitted a bid couple years ago for the city's water education program. I came up with the "Pitcher Approach to Water Conservation" It is a simple, inexpensive if not free, idea that everyone can do. You keep a pitcher in your kitchen sink and whenever you are rinsing your hands, fruits and vegtables, hand washed dishes you let the water run into the pitcher instead of down the drain. The saved water can then be used right there to rinse off dirty dishes, run the disposal, soak pots, water plants, you get the idea.

Putting a pitcher and a large watering can in the shower will give you place to save the water waiting for the water to get hot. Don't let it go down the drain.

The average household can use 2-10 gallons less water a day using these ideas. If we take 2 gallons a day per the 650,000 people who live in Albuquerque that is a savings of 1,300,000 gallons of water a day.

I don't have any exclusive rights to this idea. In fact, I contacted the city and voluteered my services to who ever got the job this year so I could help. When we submitted our bid there was a buracratic glitch and the city was did not have the authourity to accept a bid, after requesting them...sounds like poor planning. This year our team was unable to re-submit.

So there you go. I was angry and disappointed that during this crisis our water education program is so lame. Albuquerque take my idea...run with it. Please!

Albuquerque
drought
water conservation

Three Things One Must Do...

2006-05-04T12:10:00.000-06:00

...if you use a computer at all, BACK UP, BACK UP, BACK UP. My life recently blew up when my hard drive crashed and my system had not been backed up for over a year. I am one of those people who does it all except when it is out of my area of expertise. I know what I don't know. So backing up was delegated to someone else. The ball was dropped and needless to say they don't have that job anymore.

Well, I have upgraded to an automatic back up system. Fortunately, the parts of my life and business I am in charge of are running nicely. Business is up, people are wonderful, life is good.

In fact, I am even offering free shipping for my rain barrels right now. With the patent being awarded and magazine article, I am in a celebratory mood. Visit my site,www.aridsolutionsinc.com I might even change my picture. People have told me that in my picture I am not smiling big enough (maybe I was worried about my data!)
rain barrels
environment
sustainability
water conservation

What I Got For My Birthday!

2006-04-02T14:28:00.000-06:00

I had a birthday this weekend and what a wonderful present came in the mail on that particular day. My patent was delivered for the Octagon Rain Barrel I designed and sell at www.aridsolutionsinc.com It even had a red ribbon.

This is quite a milestone in a person's life. But what this means most to me is that it can now be licensed to a major manufacturer who can distribute it throughout the US more easily and probably at an even more affordable price for consumers. Thus,this product that makes rainwater harvesting easy and safe will help mainstream this method of water conservation around the country.

Also for my birthday, even though they didn't know it was my birthday, This Old House Magazine has a picture of my Octagon Rain Barrel in the April 2006 issue. The article talks about rain barrels and they offer some ideas for alternatives to the "recycled pepper barrel". Our US made barrel is clearly a wonderful alternative.

I sent a announcent about the patent and the magazine article to our newsletter recipients. I was so touched by the numerous congratulatory emails and phone calls I received. There are some very thoughtful people out there...thank you.

Our world is changing and we need to be ready. I am honored that Arid Solutions Inc. is helping people be ready. Think Rain, Think Recycle!

rain barrels
environment
sustainability
water conservation
patents
rainwater harvesting

Time to Be Green

2006-03-21T10:36:00.000-07:00

I have been very busy lately with the 2006 Xeriscape Conference in Albuquerque and the Home Builders Showcase also held in Albuquerque. I had a booth at the Xeriscape Conference, talked to about 1000+ people, displayed rain barrels, a garden composter and a composting toilet. They asked me to give a short talk on rain barrels. So I did, of course.

At the Home Builders Showcase I was asked to talk on rainwater harvesting. I did and included reasons why we should. It always makes me a little nervous to tell people just how severe our crisis is. I fear they will shoot the messenger. I passed out a sheet with several links to be helpful. I will give them here also and tell you why they are important.
www.waterworld.com This is the professional publication that the February 2006 issue has the full results of the Mayors Survey. By the way, if you didn't already know 35% of our nation's mayors don't think their cities will have enough water in 20 years. If you are over 40 years old you know how fast 20 years can fly by.
www.thegbi.org This site is the Green Building Institute, this is where you can begin to find out how to make your new construction project green.
www.nahb.org/gbg This is where you can download the entire National Association of Home Builers Green Building Guidelines...for free.
www.aridsolutionsinc.com If you don't know why this link is here give me a call at 1-866-629-RAIN

rain barrels
Xeriscape
NAHB
Green Building

A Well Timed "Thank You" Note

2006-02-24T08:15:00.000-07:00

The other day was one of those days when you wonder is it all worth it. We all walk around this world either living for ourselves or for others but for most of us a mix of the two.

In the last 4 years I have focused on others. That being my family, which has always been the case, but four years ago I took on trying help people save water. Not an easy task. It has been wonderful and exhausting at the same time. I have been so focused on others my health has even suffered.

Our water crisis is not something people want to face. It is sort of like being told you have a disease that is causing you discomfort, possibly death and you have to change your lifestyle just to maintain your current state of being. Not a pleasant thought and a lot of people choose denial.

The other day in the mail came a letter addressed to Arid Solutions Inc.
It had a beautiful sticker of the Earth on the envelope and a return address of P.O Box 46, Felton 95018. Inside the envelope were more Earth stickers and a letter printed in a large font "Your good work as not gone unnoticed. A small gift (the stickers) recognizing that you're making the planet better for all the rest of us... Thanks!

At the bottom of the letter was a mission statement about Microphilanthropy and a closing sentence of "We're adding our voices of thanks and appreciation for your being here."

I am honored to be singled out and so very humbled by their good works. I cannot express my appreciation fully.

water
environment
sustainability
water conservation
Microphilanthropy

Water Conservation Talk HeardCoast to Coast!

2006-02-06T08:10:00.000-07:00

Lisa Ayres' interview with David and Phyliss Wolf from Small Biz America, about her business Arid Solutions Inc.com , rain barrel design and passion for water conservation will be heard coast to coast on the business talk radio network at 1:39 ET during THE RAY LUCIA SHOW. Local to Albuquerque, 1350am at 11:39 MT. Listen in!

rain barrels
Albuquerque
water conservation
Ray Lucia

Drought Impacting New Mexico Early

2006-01-31T19:41:00.000-07:00

Here it is January 31st and water restrictions have already been put in place in Las Vegas, New Mexico. That seems unheard of, but then again we have already had fires in the southwest, in DECEMBER!

I am originally from Michigan and we had seasons, like deer season, or duck season, not FIRE season. According to the Albuquerque Journal, New Mexico has only received 11% of its usual precipitation for the last two months of 2005. The early part of 2005 saw lots of snow and rain but right now our snow pack is very low and cities like Las Vegas that depend on snow pack to feed their water sheds are having to restrict water use.

The first violation is just a warning, strike two and you can get a fine up to $150, strike three and they turn off your water. You can't be trusted to use the water wisely. Sounds reasonable to me.... perhaps a rain barrel or two from Arid Solutions Inc. would be good for when it does rain or to save some household greywater...just a thought.

New Mexico
rain barrels
water restrictions
drought
Albuquerque Journal

Rainwater Harvesting Guide

2006-01-15T10:06:00.000-07:00

In my search for good information online I came across this Rainwater Harvesting Guide online. The funny thing is I have given out dozens of copies of these at events over the last couple years. I was not aware it had been put in PDF form online. The publication was written several years ago by the City of Albuquerque. Arid Solutions Inc. rain barrels are not shown or listed. The publication is too old. Oh, well. It can help get a person started and thinking about what they can do to plan a rainwater harvesting set up. Good luck! and let me know if I can help.
rain barrels
Rainwater Harvesting
sustainability
water conservation

It's Not Easy Being Green

2006-01-11T14:36:00.000-07:00

We recently purchased a home in Albuquerque that we have been remodeling in as "green" a way possible. We are working under various handicaps and time constraints. That is another story.

Anyway, I have given this a lot of thought but I wonder just how good a job I could be doing when the employees at two different dumps now recognize me! If I am finding that much stuff to contribute to the landfill, how much are people throwing away who don't give it any thought at all!

Well here are some the changes we have made to this house:
Tankless Gas Hot Water Heater
Shower Flow Adjuster
Low Flow Toilets
All new plumbing insulated
Water Heater within 30ft of all bathrooms and kitchen
Motion Sensor Outdoor Lighting
Energy Star Light Fixtures, and replacement bulbs
Front Loading Clothes Washer
Coming----
Rain Barrels
Gravity Feed drip irrigation
Greywater irrigation
Permeable driveway
Composter....and whatever else I might come up with!

As the saga continues I'll keep updating.
rain barrels
green remodeling
Albuquerque
water conservation

It's Not Only "Green" People Who Care About Saving Water

2006-01-04T19:23:00.000-07:00

A couple years ago when I first designed my rain barrel and was first bringing it to market I spent some time with a CPA I knew. He was not keen on my business plan and told me only "green" people would be interested in buying the rain barrels. Needless to say, I didn't agree and went on to pursue my idea. The business is now located at www.aridsolutionsinc.com.

Around that same time I had another conversation with a relative. As I spoke, with enthusiasm of course, she began to laugh. I stopped and asked what was so funny. "You're just so excited about all this!" she said covering her mouth trying to control her laughter. Well, she was right. I was, and still am excited about all this. And I beg anyone taking on such a task to be nothing less.

Water conservation is not a laughing matter and trying to get a product to market takes a good set of giblets, especially if you weren't born with them.

Water conservation can no longer be just for "green" people. According to the Washington Update Section of Water World, the results of the National Urban Water Resources Survey revealed that of the 414 mayors questioned 40% of them did not expect their cities to have adequate water supplies in 20 years.

Not having enough water for your city is no laughing matter. People without rain barrels will be green,....with envy.
rain barrels
water conservation
sustainability
water resources

Water Efficiency Per National Association of Home Builders

2005-12-15T06:56:00.000-07:00

I am a member of the Home Builders Association which means I am also a member of the National Association. So I have a copy of the National Green Home Building Guidelines. It is very interesting to see the point values given to specific "green" building techniques, methods and products.

Since I am the owner of Arid Solutions Inc.com, I of course went right to the Water Efficiency section. There are point values given to the different techniques, methods and products. A home can earn a Bronze, Silver or Gold level. Individual associations, in this case HBA of Central New Mexico, can change the points necessary to reach the levels. In the case of New Mexico, due to our climate, the catagory of water efficiency a Bronze level requires 30 points, Silver 40 points, Gold 50 points.

What I found to be very interesting is how valuable they view Rainwater Harvesting with gravity feed distribution. It is given 9 points for the Water Collection itself and extra credit for gravity or renewable energy source distribution. Now compare that with an Irrigation System zoned for turf and bedding areas, only 6 points. The cost associated with including these water saving products and techniques vary greatly.

So whether you are a home builder or owner you can see the value of rainwater harvesting and see how it is valued in the home building community. Think Rain! Think Recycle!
rainwater harvesting
NAHB
Green Building
Home Builders Association
New Mexico

The Cost of Saving A Few Dollars

2005-12-01T07:31:00.000-07:00

Have you ever "made do" or purchased something a little less than ideal to save a few bucks? Of course you have, we all have. We all skimp where we think we can and splurge where it is most important to us. The problem arises when we get those two ends of our priorities mixed up. This is what happened to us...yesterday.

We bought a small house in town so we can have a city base while still keeping our mountain house. The city house needed a new toilet. My husband, being the multi-talented person he is, replaced the toilet but decided to use a certain supplied part even though it didn't seem to fit well. He had done this type of hook up before and knew a new part would cost a few bucks. Well, the poor fit leaked--big time! We ended up having to bail water out of the house! The floor is now much cleaner and we are all thankful the house was not carpeted or that the water did not make it up to the drywall.

So that couple of dollars he saved, but actually ended paying anyway to get the proper part, cost me a sore back, all of us couple hours of clean up time and he still has egg on his face.

What does this have to do with water conservation? Well, trying to save a few dollars caused us to waste water, a lot of water. And when it comes to buying anything, even rain barrels, purchasing something less than ideal will probably disappoint you either through poor performance, design, or the fact that it will irritate you whenever you go to use it. People splurge on wine, dinners, pricey coffee... items that are literally gone in an hour or less.

Some people when shopping around for a rain barrel will ask why ours are not only $99 or so like the "pepper barrels" or the blue and white industrial tanks. Well, we make an attractive, dependable product that is not the least expensive or the most expensive and you will enjoy it every time you use it...for years to come.

So next time you're in a situation that you think you can "save a few dollars" remember the true cost of saving a few dollars.
rain barrels
water conservation

Gratitude- The Real Point of Thanksgiving

2005-11-23T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving - the name says it all! I am one of those people who are truly grateful everyday. I don't need a special day to remind me. I won't go into why I am this way you'll just have to trust me it is an earned awareness.
Here is a sampling of things I think about on a daily basis that I am truly grateful for;
The Love of my family (priceless).
Food (a seemingly never ending supply.)
Medicines (regardless of cost).
Heat in the winter (generated by something that I don't have to carry in from outside).
Water that comes into my home, and is available in both hot and cold!
The Internet with its endless source of information and that allows me to do what I do at Arid Solutions Inc.com.
People who care enough about our earth to continue their efforts clean it up and value its gifts by not being wasteful.
People who are using their time on earth trying to help people to think outside of themselves, (like Dr. Laura and Rabbi Telushkin)
and the list goes on and on.....
Enough said, let's go eat!!!
Thanksgiving
Rabbi Telushkin
Dr. Laura Schlessinger.

Quality Drinking Water, Isn't That What It's All About?

2005-11-16T07:29:00.000-07:00

Thanks to New Mexico Business Weekly I can pass on the the following information about New Mexico's drinking water quality and how people can find out about it. This is only a portion of the article that was published Nov.14, 2005.

..."This new database means the people who get their water from the state's 1,280 public drinking water systems can be more directly involved in the monitoring of their drinking water," said NMED Secretary Ron Curry.

Users can look up the results of the most recent tests or search for test results from the past 12 years, reviewing measurements of contaminants ranging from arsenic to total coliform. The data can be compared to federal and state standards listed for each.

Also listed on the Web site are contact names and numbers for water system managers as well as any violations or enforcement actions taken against the respective system. Sampling schedules, a breakdown of the water sources for each system and a glossary explaining the terms used are also identified on the new web site...

The linked published in NMBW did not work yet but I found where one needs to go,
Drinking Water Watch. Also, here is the link for the entire New Mexico Environment Department.

Who should care about this information? I say everybody, but particularly people moving around and into the state and the realtors and developers serving them. The liability could be tremendous if realtors and developers did not at least pass on the web site and let their clients conduct due diligence before investing in our state.

New Mexico Business Weekly
drinking water
sustainability
New Mexico real estate
environment

The Collective Well

2005-11-14T06:54:00.000-07:00

I friend of mine, also in the rain barrel business, sent me an article from the New York Times. "Steps to Take Before The Collective Well Runs Dry". The article mentions many companys' products and steps people are taking to conserve water. Arid Solutions Inc.com was not specifically mentioned, but that's okay. We are doing our part to provide a dependable, safe and attractive rain barrel to store rain and greywater. We're helping to make rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling mainstreamed in the U.S. and we'll be here when water collection is typical for all.

When the NY Times has an article about saving water in shower to be used again we know that our fresh water supply is in danger and we must take steps to use less, use it again and put a price on it equal to its value.

There is talk of keeping gasoline a $3 a gallon to keep people aware of its value and to encourage conservation. An increase in cost is often the only way to get people to use less of anything. Water is WAY too cheap for its value. Regardless of where one lives it should truly represent its cost...priceless.

"When the well runs dry, we know the worth of water." Ben Franklin

rain barrels
NY Times
rainwater harvesting
water conservation

Great Ideas - Rain Barrels and More

2005-10-26T08:39:00.000-06:00

I don't usually ever click on banner ads. I try to stay on task and clicking would cause me to go elsewhere. Like going to the store for milk and ending up taking a convoluted trip throughout the store as I change isles with every thought that comes to mind. So you see, banners ads don't serve me well. We also don't use banner ads for our online water conservation store www.aridsolutionsinc.com.
Yesterday however, I was drawn to click on a banner ad for "Since Sliced Bread.com". I was was drawn by the subtitle "What's Your Common Sense Idea?" I often hear from customers how happy they are that someone thought of all the nice features our rain barrels come with. The locations of the fittings are well thought out, logical. Harvesting rainwater and recycling water are truly a common sense ideas.

I won't be submitting the use of rain barrels for the contest that is hosted by Since Sliced Bread.com, but I encourage you to think, submit and hope your idea gets the publicity it needs to flourish, and the $100k prize is nice too!

rain barrels
recycling
rainwater harvesting
contests
water conservation

Middle Rio Grande Children's Water Festival

2005-10-18T08:17:00.000-06:00

Well another fine Children's Water Festival has come and gone. Susan Gorman, a small staff of year-round volunteers, and about 45 event voluteers and a couple dozen presenters put on another extrodinary event. This was Susan's last Water Festival as she is going on to pursue other passions.

Rumor has it the City of Albuquerque will be taking over this fabulous event and carrying on the work Susan has deveoloped and grown into the wonderful entity it has become. I hope they compensate her well for all the work it took to make this what it is today. Susan has brought 1000 kids a year for the last 6 years to learn all about water and what it will take to maintain it for years to come. The educational impact is immeasureable. Thank you Susan for all you do, have done, and will do for our community.

You can contact Susan via her web site www.pioneerwest.net

This picture is of me, in the hat,(Lisa Ayres) as the 2005 Water Wizard. Susan's Water Wizard character is very popular with the kids. I asked water trivia questions and riddles, correct answers earned a treat.

The kids in this picture are utilizing a model to see why the Rio Grande runs red.

Please encourage and support educational venues such as the MRG Children's Water Festival. It puts the knowledge where it is needed most, right now and in the future.

New Mexico
water festivals
Albuquerque
environmental impact
water
water conservation

Children' s Water Festival in Albuquerque, NM

2005-10-11T07:16:00.000-06:00

Later this week, Oct 13th & 14th, is the annual Children's Water Festival in Albuquerque, New Mexico. This is the sixth year it has been taking place at the convention center. It is put on by Susan Gorman of Pioneer West and her army of volunteers. Pioneer West, www.pioneerwest.net is a non-profit organization.

This event is supported by very large businesses and other entities. PNM, Sandia National Labs, the City of Albuquerque all send volunteers and provide some monetary support. This is the third year I have been involved. Being a small entity, in more ways than one, Arid Solutions Inc. is a financial supporter and I have voluteered for both days of the event for the last three years.

This year I will be the "Water Wizard". My job is to greet the kids as they arrive, all 500 of them each day, yes that is a total of 1000 kids, and entertain them a bit while they wait for directions as to where to go next. The kids will visit 5 different classrooms all demostrating some aspect of water. The hands-on learning activities will incorporate water science, geography, history, and the future of our water.

So I am not just a rain barrel manufacturer and seller. I am deeply concerned with our fresh water crisis. So concerned I will don a sparkly blue costume, hat and all to help bring up the next generation to be more aware and respectful of our water quality and supply. Look to this blog next week for pictures of the event!
New Mexico
rain barrels
Albuquerque
environmental impact
water
water conservation

What's This Rain Barrel Made Of?

2005-10-03T06:40:00.000-06:00

We had the pleasure of attending the New Mexico Solar Fiesta at the end of September. What a wonderful experience. It is so satisfying to talk to so many people who understand the need to conserve, whether it be energy or water.

Our booth was full of visitors almost non-stop for the whole two days of the event. We always get some interesting questions and I love answering them. A couple questions I hadn't heard before were, "Can dogs knock these rain barrels over?" and "Are your rain barrels bullet proof?"

A more typical question is "Are these made from recycled plastic?" The answer is no. First, if they were we could not offer the colors we do. Our rain barrels are made to last for years. I think items used once such as yogurt containers or disposable razors should be made from recycled plastics. Items made to be useful for years justify new material.

Our rain barrels are made from virgin High Density Polyethylene(HDPE). Some very interesting information has come out in the Sept.5, 2005 Plastic News. There is now a system of measuring the environmental impact of design materials. The system, Okala ecodesign course, (Okala means life-sustaining energy in Hopi) assigns points to materials used in products. The higher the number of points, the higher the environmental impact. Recycled HDPE is 13, virgin HDPE is 25. Recycled aluminum is a 24. So as you see HDPE is right next to recyled aluminum. The highly-polished stainless steel in favor now has a rating of 130!

So the next time you question yourself about just how "green" a product is, it may be better than you think! Come take a look at ours, www.aridsolutionsinc.com

New Mexico
rain barrels
recycling
environmental impact
sustainability
water conservation

Green Makeover Includes Rain Barrels

2005-09-13T07:42:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday, September 10th, Arid Solutions Inc. was proud to be part of the first Green Makeover held in Albuquerque, NM. It was hosted by the USGBC and the GreenBuilt Tour. ASI donated a set, Standard and Doubler, of rain barrels for the winner. The winners Roby and Yvonne, live in the house her grandparents built in the 1930s. Needless, to say it needed some "greening up". Along with rain barrels they also received solar thermal heaters, low VOC paint, drip irrigation, solar powered motion detecting lights, and the list goes on.

Here at Arid Solutions Inc. we would like to encourage groups across the country to hold green makeovers. It is a wonderful forum to show the general public some of the changes that can be made and in many cases just how easy it can be done. We hope you enjoy some of the pictures included from the day.
New Mexico
Green
environment
sustainability
water conservation
rain barrels

Growing Peaches In The Desert

2005-09-09T06:46:00.000-06:00

We have been thinking of moving...again. Where we live is absolutely beautiful, and pleasant and the only other word that fits is nurturing. We live about 14 miles outside Albuquerque and the air is clean and the diversity of the folige and wildlife is entertaining. But I spend too much time commuting, sometimes I have to drive into town up to 3 times a day! So that brings me to the price of peaches.

We looked at a wonderful home owned by equally nice people. They had a small yard, most newer homes have small yards. The front yard was xeriscaped. The back yard had a pond, waterfall, a deck, some bushes, assorted trees and a perfect white peach tree. The lush grass in the backyard was so green and so manicured I had to ask if it was real. I took one shoe off to test it, yes it was real.

What's important to remember here it that this house is in Albuquerque. The DESERT southwest. We really liked the house. Being the person I am, I called the water department to check on the water usage. The perfect patch of grass and that perfect peach tree, neither of which would grow here without human intervention, used 43,000 gallons of water a month!

To get a better idea of just how much water that is, our household with two adults and two teenage daughters averages 3,000 gallons a month. The house with perfect peaches only had two adults.

When you do the math, 14 water conserving families could live using the amount water one couple does growing Georgia peaches and Kentucy bluegrass in New Mexico.

What I am asking here, is for people to adjust their behaviors to their environments. It's not nice to fool with Mother Nature. If we live as the environment calls for, we aren't going against nature and resources will last. Remember New Orleans was build 20 feet below sea level.
New Mexico
New Orleans
environment
sustainability
water conservation
nature