Regularly, new studies will be added to inform you about what you too can do to save our resources and prevent further abuse of our land.
LawnHave you ever asked yourself...?
Do I like to hear, smell and clean mowers? Do I like to hear, smell and clean blowers? Do I like to hear, smell and clean lawn edgers? Do I like to spend time to mow lawn? Do I like to pay water bills? Do I like to pay for gas? Do I like to pay maintenance services? Do I ever use my lawn space? Do I even think that lawn is interesting? Do I like to pollute the environment? Now, why do you have lawn again? |
Human Population GrowthIn 1960, Earth's human population was estimated at 3 billions.
In 2010, Earth's population is estimated at 6.5 billions. With countries' standards of living improvements come additional waste and pollution. The Earth could barely sustain 2 billion humans enjoying a Western countries' life style. Resources do not have time to renew themselves and many of them are actually non-renewable. We live as parasites to the planet and no longer as organisms contributing to the ecological balance. |
SustainabilitySustainability encompasses three main categories:
Economical: implementing projects that minimize long-term costs, maximize effects and are designed to last. Social: creating spaces that are safe, inviting and promote social interactions. Environmental: limiting our impact on ecosystems and reducing our footprints. Body and Mind: although not officially mentioned in the definition of sustainability, respect to nature also comes from learning how to respect our own bodies through proper nutrition and physical activity. Our minds also suffer from stress imposed by the overwhelming presence of the media and technology in our daily life. |
Gas-Powered EquipmentMost people don’t associate air pollution with mowing the lawn or doing other yard work assisted by gas-powered equipment. Yet, lawn mowers, chain saws, pressure washers, leaf blowers, lawn-edgers and trimmers are a significant source of pollution due to their emissions.
Today’s gas-powered lawn mowers emit as much pollution in one hour as driving a newer car 140 miles. Air-friendly alternatives would be using electrical equipment or even better using a mechanical mower. Getting rid of your lawn for a walk-in garden remains the most sustainable option in an urban environment. You will no longer get your weekends spoiled by a cacophony of loud equipment around the house. Contribute to recreating a quiet neighborhood for all. |
Fresh Water SupplyEarth Water Resources
Over 70% of our Earth's surface is covered by water. However: - 97.5% of all water on Earth is salt water. - Therefore, only 2.5% is fresh water. - Nearly 70% of that fresh water is frozen in the icecaps of Antarctica and Greenland. Icecaps and glaciers are now rapidly disappearing. - Most of the remainder is present as soil moisture, or lies in deep underground aquifers not accessible. - < 1% of the world's fresh water (~0.007% of all water on earth) is accessible. (from lakes, rivers, reservoirs and those underground sources that are shallow enough to be worth tapping). With an ever-growing population and water-demanding lifestyles, we are threatening our own survival and reducing our chance to recover faster every year. |
California Central ValleyA brief study on sustainable design guidelines for the California Central Valley. Right click on the picture to save it on your computer and see it in a larger format. (jpeg format)
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