5 ways to save water and cool the planet - Marin Independent Journal

If it’s any consolation, we’re not alone when it comes to drought. Two-thirds of the West is experiencing severe drought, and megadrought has now scorched Southwest locales for 20 years. Climate change has turned up the heat and dryness in that area, making it the second most intense drought in 1,200 years.

Clearly, the best antidote for lessening the frequency and intensity of drought is to cool the planet. Fortunately, that’s where two worlds collide; by conserving water to address drought, you automatically employ techniques that mitigate climate change.

It’s like an environmental two-for-one sale.

Saving water saves energy, which cuts down on greenhouse gasses, which mitigates climate change, which reduces the frequency and intensity of drought. Pumping, treating and heating water for our homes and businesses uses 20% of the state’s electricity and 30% of its natural gas — and may account for up to 10% of California’s greenhouse gas emissions.

See how valuable those shorter showers are?

Conserving water in the garden comes in two flavors: quick and easy hacks you can do today and more involved strategies that take time but offer deep and long-term benefits.

Photo by Marie Narlock

Many California natives and other Mediterranean climate plants thrive on little or no water once established.

Let’s start with the easy ones.

Don’t overwater

Most gardens can survive with 20% to 40% less water. Start by gradually reducing water over a few weeks. Water slowly, deeply and less frequently. For plants that can’t cope with this regimen, hand-water with a hose outfitted with a shut-off valve or replace with low-water plants. Water before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. Check soil moisture with a moisture meter or your finger. If it’s damp a couple inches down, delay watering. Water the soil, not plant foliage.

Don’t waste water

Pretend the fluid flowing out your faucets, shower heads, tub spouts and hoses is liquid gold. (Environmentally speaking, it is!) Re-use water for plants. Save cooking water, wash produce with a pot underneath, leave a bucket in the shower and use leftover water when refreshing your pet’s water bowl. Pop unused ice cubes into containers. Check for leaks indoors and out. Choose glazed pots instead of terracotta, which seeps moisture, or metal pots, which heat up and therefore demand more water. Use a broom, not a hose, to clean driveways, sidewalks and steps. Collect rainwater, making sure to keep a lid on barrels to avoid mosquitoes.

Now, let’s get to the more involved strategies.

Nurture soil

Joby Elliott/Creative Commons

A well-designed drip irrigation system saves water, time, money and energy.

Create a healthy, climate change-fighting sponge beneath your feet by amending soil with compost and keeping a layer of mulch on top. Organic material increases the soil’s ability to retain water and to sequester carbon. Mulch increases water absorption and retention, snuffs out water-hogging weeds and regulates soil temperature. These benefits occur over time but are well worth the effort.

Also, incorporate garden surfaces that allow rain and irrigation water to slow, sink and spread into soil instead of sloshing into storm drains. Think gravel, stepping stones and other permeable choices.

Choose water-wise plants

When it comes to water consumption, plants come in low, medium and high. At the highest end is lawn, which gulps water precipitously. If there’s one plant to replace or reduce, make it your lawn. (Marin Water and North Marin Water District are paying customers to remove their lawns.) Grow California native plants or other species that are low on water and high on ecological value. Go to the UC Marin Master Gardener website to learn about plants that need little or no water once established, plus instructions for replacing your lawn.

Install drip irrigation

If ever there was a time to invest in irrigation infrastructure, this is it. Drip irrigation saves time, money, water and energy. Smart sensors detect local weather and soil moisture and adjust accordingly. A programmable, well-designed drip system is like inviting a friend to water your garden just the right amount.

Incorporating these strategies helps you save water, prepare for the next inevitable drought and address our most-pressing environmental challenge.

Sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the University of California Marin Master Gardeners provide science- and research-based information for home gardeners. Email questions to helpdesk@marinmg.org. Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. The office is closed for drop-in visits.

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https://www.marinij.com/2021/06/04/5-ways-to-save-water-and-cool-the-planet/

2021-06-04 19:03:54Z
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