Posted by Sunset, June 12, 2009 in Green living
by Allison Arieff, Sunset editor-at-large
Tired of high energy bills? Interested in saving the planet? Most people walk more, take shorter showers or commit to bringing reusable bags to the market. But not homeowner Jerry Block.
Working with Rain Harvesting Systems and Gutterglove, Block recently constructed a 20,000 gallon rain harvesting system for his roof. Collecting this much rainwater significantly reduces storm water runoff and helps assure that water will be available for growing home gardens during the hot summer months. (The diagram below shows how the system works.)
The Monte Serreno, CA resident is not alone in his DIY approach to energy savings. Olive oil maven Nan McEvoy just unveiled a 140-foot windmill on her 550-acre McEvoy Ranch in Petaluma, CA. Set amidst the estate's 18,000 olive trees, the mill's turbine will generate 225 kilowatts of electricity-enough to run the olive processing plant and other operations.
And throughout California, 1BOG (One Block Off the Grid) helps organize large groups of people together who want to get solar energy, and gets them a discount. The more people that sign up, the better the terms from installers and manufacturers. Programs have begun across the West in such places as Sonoma County, the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Portland, LA, and Phoenix.
Got an inspiring energy story of your own? Write to us at letters@sunset.com.
