Californians Urged to Rip Out Their Lawns: ‘This is about the Future We Need’
Californians Urged to Rip Out Their Lawns: ‘This is about the Future We Need’ – Would you rather give up your lawn or your shower habit? Can you deal with spray-painting your parched garden green? Can you see the beauty in a front yard filled with cacti and rocks?
Low-flushing lavatories and recycled wastewater may not be subject matters you would usually associate with a generally more glamorous and decisively sexier California, but as the reality of drought hits urban areas, these are the questions millions of Californians are having to ask.
On April 1, following the announcement of a fourth year of drought, Governor Jerry Brown issued an executive order demanding a 25% reduction of water usage in urban areas statewide beginning June 1.
Local water boards are coming up with incentives as well as fines for dealing with the drought. Water boards are offering discounts on high-efficiency lavatories and washing machines. Many municipalities have started to subsidize lawn conversions to more sustainable landscapes. Residents are also playing an active role in reducing water consumption by taking to social media and shaming water wasters.
