I don't get it. I looked in vain for the plentitude of solar energy panels I knew I would find in Arizona. In vain. But I didn't expect to find a denial of water issues in the desert too. I don't get it.
For a state that has mandated that all state buildings are to be LEED certified, in a state that has schools that are way ahead in their sustainable goals, in a state with almost unending sunshine - there is little to no use of solar energy. Even Arcosanti the experimental community north of Phoenix is only 15% solar, though they do conserve their water (and I will get to the wonderful ideas that ARE being pursued there, later).
Why is there no solar or water conservation in Arizona?
I went searching to see if it was just me, but found that I am not hallucinating in the sunshine.
PHOENIX - Arizona could become the nation's leading generator of solar power but isn't taking the steps needed to do so, leaving neighboring states to reap the benefits of harnessing the sun's energy, officials told state lawmakers and regulators Thursday."The technology to mine your sun exists. I believe this state has been ignoring that resource," said Fred Morse, co-chairman of the Western Governors' Association Solar Task Force. (Tucson Citizen, 2/2/07)
Arizona's relentless sunshine has enough energy to power the entire country.
Yet solar supplies less than half of 1 percent of the state's power. (Arizona Republic, 7/8/07)
Arizona makes me feel better about the poor state of affairs in Michigan. Arizona wastes water - wake up.
To reduce evaporation, water in the early evening or morning. Avoid watering during the middle of the day or late evenings (10 p.m. to 3 am). During the heat of the day, water is wasted by evaporation. (Montana(!!) water tips)
Water early in the morning. Water when temperatures are mild and winds are calm, so less water will be lost through evaporation. (Maryland water tips)
Water your landscaping during the cool of the day: Watering landscaping in the early morning or late evening reduces water waste through evaporation and avoids peak use times of day, which helps us stabilize water pressure. (Modesto California)
Water early morning or late evening versus midday, when evaporation is greatest. Note that morning watering reduces problems with mildews and soil-borne diseases. (Virginia Nursery and Landscape)
You get the idea. Everyone, except Arizona, seems to know that watering in the early morning is the way to go. They seem to be in denial that they live in a desert.
3 comments:
Get it together, Arizona - or suffer the wrath of VLOG!
You do realize we are not in a drought right? Our water is managed so well that we can afford to water grass, beautify, etc...
I will agree that I don't know why the water isn't being turned on earlier in the morning.
In response to the above comment about drought.
From Dictionary.com, and common knowledge:
drought /draʊt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[drout] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a period of dry weather, esp. a long one that is injurious to crops.
2. an extended shortage: a drought of good writing.
des·ert1 /ˈdɛzərt/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[dez-ert] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun
1. a region so arid because of little rainfall that it supports only sparse and widely spaced vegetation or no vegetation at all: The Sahara is a vast sandy desert.
2. any area in which few forms of life can exist because of lack of water, permanent frost, or absence of soil.
From Wikipedia and common knowledge, emphasis mine
The State of Arizona (IPA: /ˌærɪˈzoʊnə/) is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States of America. The capital and largest city is Phoenix. The three next largest cities are Tucson, Mesa and Glendale. Arizona was the 48th and last of the contiguous states admitted to the Union on February 14, 1912[2]. Arizona is noted for its desert climate, exceptionally hot summers and mild winters, but the high country in the north features pine forests and mountain ranges which contrast with the lower deserts.
Arizona might as well be in a permanent drought as far as that lawn is concerned.
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