Stiebel Eltron
Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater
The Stiebel Eltron Accelera 300 E Heat Pump Water Heater represents the pinnacle of water heating technology, engineered in Germany and leading the European ...
$2799
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Water-Smart Home Landscapes
To some of us, there is nothing more frustrating than driving through a suburban neighborhood on a scorching 100-degree day and seeing several homes' lawns being watered with sprinkler systems. At least 50% of the water we use for outdoor watering purposes goes to waste. Evaporation accounts for much water loss before it ever makes its way to the roots of the grass and plants we're trying to irrigate. On average, Americans use nearly 9 billion gallons of water each day for outdoor purposes. At the same time, water crises across the southwest United States are a yearly occurrence. There is an increasing likelihood that these crises will expand to other parts of the country in the coming years.
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By Tobias Roberts, Rise Writer
Mar 20, 2025 · 4 min read
What is a Water-Smart Home Landscape?
According to the EPA, "Water-smart landscaping produces attractive landscapes because it uses designs and plants that are well suited to local conditions." Water-smart landscapes are defined by local biological, climate, and other environmental conditions. There is no universal formula that can be applied to all homes and yards. Instead, water-smart home landscapes will adhere to the following guiding ethics.
Many types of perennial plants will flower at strategic times during the year. This attracts beneficial insects and pollinators that will help increase the ecological resilience of your yard landscape.
Bottom Line
The perfect, green, and manicured lawn has long been a symbol of the American home. However, we need to consider the number of chemicals, water, and fossil fuel energy required to maintain a grass lawn when we think about the sustainability of our yards. It has become clear that this emblematic symbol is not an environmentally-friendly landscaping option for many regions.
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On the other hand, water-smart home landscapes can offer an increased aesthetic appeal, incorporating a wide range of colors, shapes, and textures. Water-smart landscapes can include dozens of species of native plants that provide a wide range of color and vibrancy while also drastically reducing water needs.
Rise Writer
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Article by
Tobias Roberts
Tobias runs an agroecology farm and a natural building collective in the mountains of El Salvador. He specializes in earthen construction methods and uses permaculture design methods to integrate structures into the sustainability of the landscape.
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