Stating that "boy, have we learned a lot since then" (i.e., the 1997 edition), the authors share amusing anecdotes of their experiences as well as practical tips on collecting rainwater. Illustrations and b & w photos show the necessary equipment and set-up for becoming water-independent. They include pricing information. Banks' husband installs rainwater collection systems for a living in Dripping Springs(!), Texas. Annotation 2004 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com).

This book addresses the mysteries surrounding our most common element, water. It is an easy guide to becoming a "water detective", introducing practical everyday tips and water saving tools to help you change your water footprint. The contents will open your awareness to the global water crisis and teach you efficient ways to catch and save water. The format is personal, accessible and adds a light touch using cartoons and colorful pictures. The scope of the book covers water conservation in the home to rain gardens and rain catchments in the landscape. Water: Catch It If You Can is divided into four categories with easy to follow instructions and resources: 1. Why study water? 2. Water Usage and Conservation 3. Water Catchment 4. Slowing and Diverting the Storm Water Runoff. The accompanying pictures and cartoons bring these concepts to life. Here is a simple example of what you will find in this easy to follow guide book: When taking a shower catch the cold water in a bucket while you await the hot water. Use the water that you catch to water your indoor plants. You will be surprised how far a bucket will go! There are hundreds of useful tips in Water: Catch It If You Can. Susan is passionate about her subject and has written a book that people of all ages throughout the world will be able to understand and implement on a daily basis. This book undoubtedly will become a useful handbook in your household.

Rainwater Catchment Systems for Domestic Supply provides a state-of-the-art review of practice in the collection of rainwater. It presents case studies with numerous examples from around the world which will help anyone intending to design or construct a rainwater catchment system. The prime focus of the book is on implementation of roof and ground catchment systems for meeting either total or supplementary household water requirements. All aspects of design and construction are covered including simple methods of sizing systems, erection of gutters, choice of materials, construction techniques, training, operation and maintenance. In addition, non-technical factors such as water quality, health, social, cultural, political, institutional and gender issues are discussed. The text is fully supported with drawings and photographs and a detailed illustrated step-by-step account is provided of how to build several different types of household rainwater tanks with volumes from 2 to 90 cubic metres. Rainwater Catchment Systems is based on practical experience and lessons learnt during over 20 years constructing and researching rainwater systems in Africa and Asia. It will be of use and interest to project managers, development workers, water engineers, architects, builders, researchers and appropriate technology enthusiasts.

Sustainable building from the ground up - the pros and cons of the latest green and natural materials and technologies From foundation to finish, a wealth of information is available on sustainable construction methods-entire volumes have been published on individual green and natural building techniques. But with so many different ideas to choose from, there is no single resource that allows an owner or builder to quickly and objectively compare the merits of each system for their particular project. Making Better Buildings cuts through the hype and provides the unvarnished facts about the upsides and downsides of the most widely discussed materials and technologies. Drawing on the real-world experiences of designer/builders, this comparative guide systematically and comprehensively examines each approach in terms of: Cost, sourcing, labor intensity, and ease of construction Energy efficiency, embodied energy, and environmental impacts Availability/accessibility Viable applications and future potential. Each chapter is rounded out by a chart which summarizes the material in a quick and accessible manner. Whether you are an owner preparing to build a green or natural home, or a conventional contractor determined to integrate sustainable alternatives into your existing construction practices, this up-to-the minute resource will help you make the best decisions for your project, while meeting your energy, efficiency, budgetary, and site-specific needs.

How do we provide for and nurture millions of people without destroying the planet in the process? Author Doug Kent, an environmental specialist, believes a vital element in the solution is recognizing that urban landscapes are an essential partner in everyone’s wellbeing. He argues that urban landscapes can and must work harder. Urban landscapes can provide part of our energy needs, help cool our buildings and public spaces, help us make the most of our precious water. They can also help combat air pollution and reduce the likelihood of allergies and asthma. They can provide landscape materials and even contribute to our timber supply. Doug also advocates turning landscapes into a food source, and/or a perfumery, pharmacy, soap shop, or craft store. Doug has over 12 years of research in this book. He has spent years doing literature reviews, and many more years concocting, consuming, crafting, distilling, propagating, retting, sawing, sowing, and weaving its many recommendations. He has also travelled the length and width of California many times to interview the people and businesses already doing this incredible work. Regenerating Essential Goods and Services is not a manifesto. It is a user’s manual. You are the creative and energetic force that will ultimately drive sustainability and regeneration. Let’s go.

Save the earth’s most precious resource while also saving yourself money. Laura Allen provides expert strategies for using water smartly and efficiently while fulfilling all of your home and garden needs. Learn how to create a water-wise landscape, reuse greywater, harvest rainwater, and even set up a waterless composting toilet. Offering proven techniques in clear and accessible language, The Water-Wise Home makes it easy to help the environment and lower your household operating costs through conserving water.

"This book provides extensive coverage on the organizational, managerial and technological concerns of enterprise information systems and their executive competitiveness"--

The only book that shows how to transform existing suburbs to create environment- and people-friendly neighborhoods...

Whether you live in a city high-rise, a condo in the suburbs, or a small farm, the DIY projects is this illustrated guide will appeal to your green side. From the editors of Urban Farm magazine, Urban Farm Projects expands the boundaries of city and suburban self-sustainability. Over forty innovative do-it-yourself projects are stylishly presented and compiled in this entertaining and easy-to-follow user’s manual. With projects ranging from the simple (candle making and canning) to the more ambitious (raising bees to pollinate your own crops), this crafty book will appeal to the thrifty and eco-conscious alike. Whether working with a pot or a plot, a backyard or a balcony, Urban Farm Projects is the consummate guide to self-sufficiency and a must-have for every urban dweller looking to make the most of his or her limited money, space, time and stuff!

A guide to alternate water collection for green new developments, aimed at conserving water and reusing it wisely. In an era of dwindling resources, water is poised to become the new oil as the entire world now faces the reality of a decreasing supply of clean water. To avert a devastating shortage, we must not only look at alternate water sources for existing structures, we must also plan our new developments differently. Design for Water is an accessible and clearly written guide to alternate water collection, with a focus on rainwater harvesting in the urban environment. The book: outlines the process of water collection from multiple sources—landscape, residential, commercial, industrial, school, park and municipal systems provides numerous case studies details the assembly and actual application of equipment includes specific details, schematics and references All aspects of rainwater harvesting are outlined, including passive and active system set-up, storage, stormwater reuse, distribution, purification, analysis and filtration. There is even a section on rainwater harvesting for wildlife. In addition to rainwater, there are several affordable and accessible alternate sources, including cooling tower bleed-off water, air conditioning condensate, gray water, and fog collection. Design for Water is geared to providing those making development decisions and guidelines with the information they need to set up passive harvesting techniques. The book will especially appeal to engineers, landscape architects, municipal decision-makers, developers and land-owners.