Water Conservation in the Rain?

It sure seems ironic that the Diemer Filtration Plant in Yorba Linda is performing maintenance this week and is asking South OC residents to conserve water in the midst of all the downpours we have been experiencing. Nevertheless, from Jan 25-31, residents are asked to turn off their automatic sprinklers, and refrain from watering landscaping. These and other Water Conservation Tips can be found at: www.autotaps.com/water-conservation-tips.html

Last Thursday I drove to Phoenix, and saw washes that I have never seen rushing with water, and every depression in the land was filled in with water. It was so twilight zone, as I lived there for 17 years and never saw that!

I am glad the heavens have poured open and given us the precious water we have needed.

Not an option, but a responsibility

"Green is not a trend, but a standard operating procedure
- not an option, but a responsibility"
~Eric Tetuan, Chief Operations Officer, Production Glue, L.L.C., New York
I saw this in a report on the future of meetings and the industry. I was on the site researching for my position of Direector of Marketing for Rancho Capistrano as I was planning for this year's marketing campaign. Like most businesses these days, we are adding more green and sustainable features and services to our conference center operations. We have reduced the use of disposables, use water in urns and not bottled water when possible, and use flowers from our property for centerpieces.

I wholeheartedly believe this statement about green being standard operating procedure.

I know green is seen as a trend, as so many companies have jumped on the green bandwagon. Real Estate, which is probably the largest purchase most people make, is clearly important when it comes to sustainability and all things green. And green homes will become standard operating procedure when it comes to construction practices and (I hope) in recycling pre-owned homes. (As I can help you do!)

The best part is green homes are more energy efficient, thus saving money, have healthier indoor air quality, which helps families live healthier, and also reduces the home's carbon footprint on the planet. This sounds like great standard operating procedure to me!!!

This just in from the California Association of Realtors: "The government is expected to unveil a new program in the next couple of months that, if approved, may reimburse homeowners for up to half the cost of making their homes more efficient. Through the program, homeowners will receive the largest return from simple upgrades like caulking windows, adding insulation, and changing incandescent light bulbs to those that are more energy-efficient."

Of course, they are recommending an energy audit. The audit will reveal what is the best course of action to take and what will save you the most money (first of course you want to save enough money to cover the cost of the audit!) When the new program launches, you will surely be able to cover the cost of the audit with the government's money. OK OK I know it's our money, yes, but I rather see our money going back to us then to a bankers bonus check!