The Best Electric Boat Motors

The Best Electric Boat Motors:

• Minn Kota Endura C2 30 ($99)
• Minn Kota Endura C2 55 ($257)
• MotorGuide VariMAX V55 – Freshwater, Pontoon Mount ($414)
• Torqeedo Travel 1003 ($1,999)

Compared to gasoline-powered boat motors, electric outboard motors provide quieter operation, no exhaust fumes and zero emissions. Electrics are great as the primary means of propulsion for small boats, a secondary means of propulsion for large boats, or in places where gasoline motors are prohibited or otherwise undesirable. Because electric boat motors are often used for fishing, they are commonly called “trolling motors”. When shopping for an electric boat motor, be sure to consider the size of your boat, the conditions you’ll typically encounter, and the amount of additional weight (people and gear) you’ll have on board. Make sure you select a motor powerful enough to meet your needs. We’ve researched dozens of trolling motor reviews on sites such as Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops, Amazon, TrollingMotors.net, Practical Sailor, Panbo, CruisersForum.com, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Walmart, and iboats.com in order to bring you a list of the best electric boat motors for sale today:

Minn Kota Endura C2 30

Minn Kota Endura C2 30 ($99)

Pros:

• Reliable
• Performs as advertised

Cons:

• Only for very small boats

Top Review Sources:

• Cabela’s: 5.0/5.0 (5+ reviews)
• Bass Pro Shops: 4.2/5.0 (15+ reviews)
• Amazon: 4.5/5.0 (15+ reviews)

The transom-mount Minn Kota Endura C2 30 is the smallest in Minn Kota’s line of Endura C2 trolling motors. It delivers maximum thrust of 30 pounds, sufficient to adequately propel craft of up to 1,500 pounds or 12 feet in length. It has a 12-volt power system and a 30-inch composite shaft. Control is administered via a six-inch telescoping handle. There are five forward speeds and three reverse speeds. Reviewers find the Endura C2 30 to be reliable, quiet, and well-built. There are hardly any complaints of underperformance or premature failure. The Minn Kota Endura C2 30 ships with a two-year warranty.

Purchase the Minn Kota Endura C2 30 on Amazon.

Minn Kota Endura C2 55

Minn Kota Endura C2 55 ($257)

Pros:

• Well-built
• Two shaft size options

Cons:

• Transom-mount only

Top Review Sources:

• Bass Pro Shops: 4.2/5.0 (15+ reviews)
• TrollingMotors.net: 5.0/5.0 (1 review)
• Dick’s Sporting Goods: 4.5/5.0 (3 reviews)

On the other end of the Endura C2 line is the Endura C2 55. Like the Endura C2 30, the Endura C2 55 is transom-mounted and has a 12-volt power system. The Endura C2 55 is capable of producing 55 pounds of thrust, which is enough to propel an 18-foot craft or a craft weighing up to 2,500 pounds. This motor is available with either a 36- or 42-inch composite shaft. It features a telescoping steering mechanism and five forward speeds (three reverse). Like the Endura C2 30, the Endura C2 55 has a reputation for hassle-free, reliable performance and solid build quality. It is backed by a two-year warranty.

You’ll find the Minn Kota Endura C2 55 for sale on Amazon.

MotorGuide VariMAX

MotorGuide VariMAX V55 – Freshwater, Pontoon Mount ($414)

Pros:

• Precise, variable speed control
• Digital speed and battery gauges

Cons:

• Non-traditional throttle and direction-change hand controls

Top Review Sources:

• Cabela’s: 4.5/5.0 (5+ reviews) (VariMAX V45)
• Walmart: 5.0/5.0 (2 reviews) (VariMAX V45)
• iboats.com forum user comparison of VariMAX V55 and Endura C2 55: “I tested both for one week and I kept the MotorGuide Varimax”

MotorGuide’s VariMAX V55 is one of many VariMAX models from which you can choose. MotorGuide offers freshwater and saltwater editions of the VariMAX. Within the freshwater edition, you have three mounting options: bow, transom, and pontoon. For each mounting option, you have at least two output choices. Though we are reviewing the VariMAX V55 freshwater pontoon-mount edition here, most of our findings can be extended to other models in the VariMAX series. The VariMAX V55 provides 55 pounds of thrust and 12 volts of power. It has a 50-inch aluminum shaft. A distinguishing feature of the VariMAX series is its variable speed adjustment. Variable speed adjustment allows the boater to incrementally increase speed via a dial, resulting in precise control and up to three times longer battery life than five-speed electric motors. The user interface consists of a digital speed gauge that also indicates direction and remaining battery life. Reviewers enjoy the variable speed operation and convenient digital interface. The MotorGuide VariMAX V55 has a two-year warranty.

You’ll find the MotorGuide VariMAX V55 (freshwater, pontoon mount) on Amazon.

Torqeedo Travel 1003

Torqeedo Travel 1003 ($1,999)

Pros:

• Fully submersible
• Accepts solar charging

Cons:

• Long battery charge time

Top Review Sources:

• Practical Sailor: Best Choice (of three electric outboard motors tested)
• Panbo: “A joy to use”
• CruisersForum.com user review: “The torque is surprisingly powerful”

The Torqeedo Travel 1003 is a fully-waterproof, three-horsepower electric outboard. Its integrated 29.6-volt lithium-manganese battery provides an estimated 10.5 hours of runtime at 1.5 to 2.0 knots, 3.5 hours at 2.5 to 3.0 knots (half throttle), and half an hour at 4.5 to 5.0 knots (full throttle). This 30-pound electric is appropriate for inflatables and small boats up to 3,000 pounds; it also makes a suitable sail boat motor. It is available in long- and short-shaft versions. A full battery recharge takes about 15 hours for the Travel 1003. This motor will also accept power from solar chargers (Torqeedo sells one for $999) and onboard generators. A feature reviewers really like is the onboard GPS chip, which provides a continually updated range estimate based upon current usage. The results are reported via a display integrated onto the tiller. The display also indicates battery charge and boat speed. Reviewers enjoy the smooth power delivery of the Travel 1003 and praise its build quality. This motor carries a two-year warranty.

You’ll find a list of Torqeedo Travel 1003 dealers on Torqeedo’s website.

Right now, I’m investigating a new travel technique, which I’m calling “Slow Daily Travel”. By going slow (traveling 1o to 100 miles per day), your journey can often become more intriguing and enjoyable. My technique involves traveling as far as you like each day, and then staying overnight in a hotel. The next day you repeat, until you reach your destination. If you pack minimally enough, and you are not in a hurry to get anywhere, this techniques works quite well.

You can use any efficient type of transportation you like to travel. You can walk, cycle, kayak, sail, ride a bus, or ride a train. Electric vehicles are also ideal for this kind of travel because you can recharge your batteries overnight, and have them ready for the next day. You can use electric vehicles like electric bikes, electric kayaks, electric catamarans or dinghies (see the book Sustainable Sailing for more info on electric boats). You can also make use of solar chargers with these vehicles (I’ll be examining solar charging in detail in an upcoming article).

In conjunction with this, I’ve been investigating car-free routes around my home. So far, I’ve discovered a surprising number of car-free routes from my local area, Northern Virginia. Some of the routes include: the WO&D Trail (biking trail from Washington, DC to Purcellville, VA) the C&O Canal Trail (biking trail from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD), the Great Allegheny Passage (biking trail that goes from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA), the Intracoastal Waterway (an inland waterway that goes from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL). The Chesapeake Bay is also a huge car-free region that you can explore for months in a small boat.

By investigating car-free routes, I’ve actually become more aware of the terrain around my home, and this has made me think differently about my vacation plans. I’ll be going into the details of my slow travel in upcoming articles.

Here are some book I found useful while investigating slow, car-free travel:

Books On Electric Vehicles

• Sustainable Sailing: Go Green When You Cast Off  by Dieter Loibner
• How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life by Chris Balish
• Bike Touring: The Sierra Club Guide to Travel on Two Wheel by Raymond Bridge
• Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman
• The Electric Vehicle Conversion Handbook by Mark Warner
• Build Your Own Electric Bicycle by Matthew Slinn

Mid-Atlantic Biking Books

• Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia
• Bicycling The Atlantic Coast by Donna Ikenberry Aikenhead
• Linking Up: Planning Your Traffic-Free Bike Trip Between Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC  by Mary Shaw and Roy Weil

Mid-Atlantic Boating Books

• The Intracostal Waterway, Norfolk to Miami: The Complete Cockpit Cruising Guide by Jan and Bill Moelier
• Cruising the Chesapeake: A Gunkholer’s Guide by William H. Shellenberger (Hardcover)
• Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay 2011 Edition by Staff of Chesapeake Bay Magazine
• Sea Kayaking Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay: Day Trips on the Tidal Tributaries and Coastlines of the Western and Eastern Shore by Michael Savario
• Sea Kayaking Virginia: A Paddler’s Guide to Day Trips from Georgetown to Chincoteague by Andrea Nolan

See also this Wikipedia article on Slow Travel, and the Rails-to-Trails group.

Best LED Flashlights

What makes the “best” flashlight?  There are specialty lights available for a wide range of applications, but the perfect all-purpose flashlight combines compact size, durability, and above all, a bright beam of light.  All four of our favorites utilize LEDs (light emitting diodes) which are energy efficient for maximum battery life as well as extremely durable.

Here is our round-up of the best led flashlights of 2011:

EagleTac P100C2 LED Flashlight

EagleTac P100C2 LED Flashlight

The Eagletac P10 C2 is a perfect everyday light for everything from household use to outdoor adventure.  Measuring just 5″ long, the P100′s anodized aircraft-aluminum case is completely weatherproof and dunk-proof, and features a shock mounted lens and battery housing.  The EagleTac’s pair of CR123 batteries deliver 55 lumens of light from the Cree XP-E diode for up to 8 hours, or 220 lumens in “turbo” mode with a simple twist of the head.

I own the P100, and I’ve been extremely happy with its performance.  The EagleTac’s only shortcoming, according to Amazon reviewers, is its shortened batterly life when used with rechargeable cells.  Overall, reviewers praise the construction and brightness of the EagleTac light, awarding it 4.5 stars.

You can find the EagleTac P100C2 for $39.95 at Amazon. Update: this flashlight is sold out, however a similar flashlight by Fenix is available.

Pelican 2360 LED Flashlight

Pelican 2360 LED Flashlight

Lithium batteries deliver great performance, but some users like the convenience of good old fashioned AA’s, so we’ve included the Pelican 2360 in our list.  Its bright 95-lumen output is more than enough light for most applications, and a machined aluminum body provides dunk-proof water resistance and solid durability.  Runtime is limited to around 2 hours, but the AA format means that rechargeable batteries like Sanyo’s Eneloop are easily swappable.

Simply put, reviewers love the Pelican 2360, which earned a 4.7 out of 5 stars at Optics Planet and a perfect 5 out of 5 at Amazon.  Users praised its high performance and affordable price tag, as well as the LED’s superior life compared to similar xenon lights.

The Pelican 2360 LED flashlight is available at Amazon for $35.92.

SureFire 6PX Pro LED Flashlight

SureFire 6PX Pro LED Flashlight

Simply put, SureFire is a legend in the flashlight world.  And although their lights aren’t a bargain, they offer serious performance and high-end quality construction.  An anodized aluminum body and impact-resistant polycarbonate lens help the 6PX stand up to the bumps and bruises of heavy use, and gasket seals keep the weather out.  Clicking the tail switch cycles through low (15 lumen) and high (200 lumen) settings, and the pair of CR123 batteries keeps the SureFire blazing for up to 45 hours on its low beam.

Reviewers from REI give the SureFire 6PX Pro an excellent 4.5 out of 5 stars.  The only drawbacks cited are the lack of a lanyard ring and adjustable beam focus, but users love the light’s durability and low/high settings.

The SureFire 6PX Pro flashlight is available for $79 from REI.

Fenix TK35 LED Flashlight

Fenix TK35 LED Flashlight

The Fenix TK35 is the biggest light in our list, both in size and power.  It offers six brightness options, which is a good thing: on the highest mode, its Cree XM-L LED throws a whopping 820 lumens of light (serious overkill for anything but technical outdoor usage).  It has other handy features besides blazing brightness though, including two flash modes, a signal function, and a waterproof anodized casing that houses its four CR123A batteries.

GearJunkie.com, a popular outdoor equipment blog, listed the Fenix in its “Best in Show” awards from the 2011 Outdoor Retailers convention.  And Amazon.com flashlight reviews give the TK35 a perfect 5 star rating for its power and compact size compared to full size competitors like the “D-cell” Maglite.

The Fenix TK35 LED flashlight is available for $109.95 from Amazon.

Best Commuter Bike Tires: Continental Travel Contact

Once you’ve found the perfect bike, bag, rack, and helmet, you’re all set for gas-free commuting, right?  Not quite – the right tires are an often-overlooked part of the package, and they can make all the difference for biking around town.  Here are four of the best tires for commuters, blending traction, durability, and low rolling resistance on pavement.  All of the following are available in 26” diameter (the most common wheel size for mountain bikes and hybrid cycles).

Continental Travel Contact Tire – 26 x 1.75

Continental Travel Contact Bicycle Tire

The venerable Continental Travel Contact has a long-standing reputation as a road-friendly mountain bike tire, and for good reason.  A slick center line provides easy rolling on pavement, while heavy treads on the sides offer crossover traction for riding on gravel or rough surfaces.  The Travel Contact weighs 695 grams, and a Kevlar bead under the tread works with the Duraskin sidewall to provide excellent puncture protection.

The Continental Travel Contact Bicycle Tire is available for $35.96 at Amazon.

Panaracer Pasela Tourguard Kevlar Bead Bicycle Tire – 26 x 1.25

Panaracer Pasela Tourguard Kevlar Bead Bicycle Tire

The Panaracer Pasela Tourguard is the thinnest and lightest tire featured in our list, and it features a shallow but aggressively patterned tread – so it’s a good option for riders who want slightly more grip on rough pavement or during wet weather.  The tradeoff is slightly more rolling resistance than a tire with a slick centerline, but the narrow 1.25” profile keeps weight to a streamlined 430 grams (15.2 ounces).  An aramid fiber (Kevlar) belt under the tread helps resist penetration punctures.

You can find the Panaracer Pasela Tourguard Kevlar Bead Tire at Amazon for $32.28.

Serfas Drifter City Tire – 26 x 2.0

Serfas Drifter City Bicycle Tire

Do you usually keep your mountain bike on the pavement, but still hit the dirt from time to time?  The Serfas Drifter can handle serious trail rides better than many crossover designs, thanks to its inverted tread pattern and 2” diameter, but the 630-gram Drifter is still pavement-friendly thanks to its smooth center track.  The puncture-resistant 69-durometer rubber, combined with the Serfas FPS (Flat Protection System) shield layered within the rubber, makes for an extremely durable tire.

The Serfas Drifter City Bicycle Tire is available at Amazon for $28.

Michelin City Bicycle Tire – 26 x 1.85

Michelin City Bicycle Tire

The Michelin City Tire is definitely designed for road warriors who rarely venture off the pavement.  A nearly slick tread pattern provides excellent acceleration and speed for road riding.  These tires certainly aren’t lightweights (835g for the 1.85″ diameter version) but they compensate with minimal rolling resistance.  A couple isolated reviews have reported sidewall blowouts when inflating the tires to higher pressures (their maximum pressure is rated at 87psi) but the “Protek Plus” reinforcement under the tread provides excellent protection against puncture flats.  Reflective sidewalls help increase rider visibility in low light conditions.

You can find the Michelin City Bike Tire at Amazon for $23.96.

Chlorine Alternatives For Efficient Swimming Pools

Cannonball! Jumping into a swimming pool is a classic way to beat the heat on a hot summer day. But clean pool water requires a combination of filtration, circulation, and sanitization. Chlorine has long been the most common tool for keeping pools free of bacteria and algae – but it has its drawbacks, and there are alternatives.

An efficient alternative pool sanitizing system can minimize the expense, time, and effort of chlorination, as well as its nasty side effects. You can make your pool healthier, you can reduce your environmental footprint (both from spillage of chlorinated water and using unnecessary amounts of chemical additives), you can save money, and you can help preserve your pool liner and pump system with some of the following pool sanitizing systems.

Why Not Chlorine?

Chlorine Is An Effective Pool Sanitizer, But It Has Drawbacks

Chlorine is actually a very effective sanitizer for applications like pools. But many swimmers don’t like the smell and feel of chlorine, or its bleaching effect on hair and clothing. Over time, it can also cause corrosion and damage to pool liners and equipment like pumps, resulting in expensive repairs. Pool owners must constantly add quantities of chemicals to the water, and the expense adds up.

Possible health effects of concentrated chlorine are another drawback. When chlorine combines with organic material (like sweat, hair, and all the other things that swimmers can introduce into pool water) it produces compounds like chloramines and nitrogen trichloride – which have been linked to a host of health problems, including lung disorders like asthma.

More Swimmers Means More Organic Material For Chlorine To React With

It’s worth noting that most alternatives for maintaining pool water still require a small amount of chlorine for residual sanitizing. A system that pumps water through a purifier for its primary cleaning must still be able to quickly eliminate any pathogens introduced into the main body of pool water, and areas like pool walls need to be kept free of algae. But the required amount and concentration of chlorine can be drastically reduced.

There isn’t a single “best” system for every pool, but here is a look at some alternatives to traditional chlorine systems for keeping swimming pools clean and clear.

Ozone Pool Systems
Ozone is a powerful oxidizer, which means it can be a very effective water sanitizer when circulated through a pool. Most pool systems utilize either an ultraviolet light source or a corona discharge tube to convert ambient oxygen in the air (O-2) to ozone (O-3), which is then injected into the jet system of the pool.

Ozone Systems Require Frequent Filter Cleanings

Ozone dissolved in a pool’s water oxidizes impurities, and it also helps encourage oils and particulates in the water to clump together so they can be filtered more easily (be sure to step up your filter maintenance accordingly to avoid clogs). Ozone won’t directly alter the acidity of pool water, so users may find it easier to balance the pH levels. And ozone systems can easily be retrofitted to treat the water in existing pools.

Ozone Systems Won’t Directly Affect Pool PH Levels

Water circulation is important in this type of system to ensure distribution of the ozonated water. Ozonated water must still be treated with a “backup” sanitizer like chlorine to quickly neutralize any pathogens introduced by swimmers, but only about 20% as much chlorine is needed compared to a traditional pool. Also, water typically remains clearer for a longer period of time with ozonation than with chlorine systems.

Ultraviolet Light (UV) Pool Systems
A UV pool treatment system uses an ultraviolet light source to kill pathogens as the water circulates through the sanitizer unit (which shouldn’t be confused with the UV lights that can be used to produce ozone).

Ultraviolet Light Sanitizer Unit (photo: UV Clear)

Ultraviolet light does a good job of eliminating pathogens in the water that flows through the disinfection point, but since there is no residual sanitization throughout the rest of the pool, and since these systems won’t maintain water clarity on their own, a supplemental treatment like chlorine must be used. But similar to ozone systems, UV systems let users substantially cut the amount of chlorine required, reducing usage by up to 70%.

Supplemental Chlorine Will Help UV Systems Maintain Water Clarity

Another advantage: in addition to killing bacteria and viruses, ultraviolet light can also be very effective for eliminating protozoa such as cryptosporidium, which chlorine alone can be very slow to eliminate.

Metal Ion Pool Systems
A number of “metal ion” systems have emerged on the market in the last few years that utilize metallic bars (such as silver and copper) for ionization to treat pool water. While this approach can help prevent the growth of algae and reduce bacteria, these systems alone are generally not able to kill pathogens quickly or thoroughly enough to be used without supplemental chemicals like chlorine – even though some are marketed as “chemical-free” systems. In addition, these systems may require water pH to be maintained at very low levels, which can void warranties on equipment like pool heaters.

The Australian government recently spoke out about the importance of swimming pool sanitizing systems, and voiced concerns about silver- and copper-based ion systems being used without supplemental chemicals. You can read the article here to learn more about this issue, and the general need for proper pool water treatment.

Natural Aquatic Plant Pools

Natural Swimming Pool (photo: Woodhouse)

“Natural” swimming pools have gained popularity in Europe, and homeowners in the US are starting to take notice. These pools essentially recreate the ecology of a pond in a controlled setting, where plants, beneficial bacteria in the water, and sometimes even fish provide all the necessary filtration and cleaning. A properly designed system will offer crystal-clear water that’s free of chemicals like chlorine

Natural pools are usually purpose-built, since converting an existing pool is a complicated process. And they’re not cheap (typically 10-20% more expensive than traditional custom in-ground pools). But these pools can be visually stunning, and blend beautifully into the surrounding property.

Natural Swimming Pool (photo: Woodhouse)

Proponents of natural pools contend that they are the “greenest” option available. They point out that natural pools require no toxic chemicals, add vegetation to the landscape, and can even help support local wildlife.

Woodhouse Natural Pools is a UK-based firm that specializes in natural pool design and construction. Learn more at the Woodhouse website.

So where does this leave you, the pool owner? If you want to move away from a traditional chlorine-only system in your pool:

Do your research. No one system is the “best” for every user. And remember that sometimes the “experts” have their own interests in mind. A salesman might neglect to mention the drawbacks of one system, or unfairly discourage users from another system simply because it’s unfamiliar.

Don’t change just for the sake of change. Maintaining a safe and healthy pool is your first priority. An alternative system that seems innovative or user-friendly is useless if you aren’t sure it also properly treats the water you’re swimming in.

Know your needs. Do you occasionally swim solo in a small lap pool, or do you frequently host huge pool parties in a mini-ocean? Also, be realistic about how much work you’re willing to do. Some owners love to learn about the equipment and tinker with the setup, while others want a self-contained system that they never need to think about.

Consider your existing setup. If you’re outfitting a new pool, you can start (literally) from the ground up. If you’re retrofitting an existing system, make sure any new system is compatible with existing equipment like pumps and filters, and find out if performance or warranties will be affected.

Have you tried any of these alternative pool treatment systems? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Efficient Outdoor Water Use

A recent Metaefficient post offered some ideas for reducing water consumption in your home – but why stop there? Read on to learn about some tips and products that will help you manage water use in outdoor spaces like lawns and gardens. Best of all, you’ll reduce both your environmental impact and utility bills in the process.

Start With Your Lawn

A sprawling, lush lawn can be a major drain (literally) on water resources. Don’t worry, you can still have a beautiful and functional outdoor space – just be smart about it. Remember, the Environmental Protection Agency estimates that in the US, landscape irrigation consumes over 7 billion gallons of water a day, and a whopping half of that is wasted thanks to over-watering and evaporation.

Water intelligently. Less frequent, heavier waterings will maintain a healthy lawn with less overall water usage. More importantly, this will also encourage deeper root growth, making grass more tolerant of hot, dry spells.

While you’re at it, make sure all that water is actually getting into the ground. Watering early in the morning or late in the evening will help minimize evaporation, as will skipping the watering on windy days.

The Gardena AquaZoom Sprinkler

If you’re using a sprinkler system, avoid overspraying onto sidewalks and driveways – they’re not going to grow any bigger. The Gardena AquaZoom sprinkler ($56.53 at Amazon) features adjustable spray length and width, up to 3,800 square feet of coverage, to help direct water precisely where you need it

Just maintain the lawn space you actually use. Unless you’re hosting polo tournaments, you probably don’t need to maintain huge tracts of grass. Lawn borders in particular are rarely used, but they add a surprising amount of square footage that must be watered and cared for. Consider shrinking your lawn area, and using other landscaping options for purely decorative spaces.

Consider xeriscaping. Xeriscaping is landscaping that requires little or no irrigation, other than natural rainfall. And this doesn’t need to mean “rocks & cactus” either – choosing plantings appropriate for your climate can let you enjoy a colorful, thriving, low-maintenance yard.

Xeriscape Handbook: A How-to Guide to Natural Resource-Wise Gardening

Two great guidebooks to learn about xeriscaping on your property are Xeriscape Handbook: A How-to Guide to Natural Resource-Wise Gardening ($16.47 at Amazon) and The Dry Gardening Handbook: Plants and Practices for a Changing Climate ($37.80 at Amazon).

Landscaping

If your landscaping does require some supplemental watering, make sure you’re watering as efficiently as possible.

Drip…drip…drip. A perforated soaker hose can be a great way to target the spots that need water, while minimizing overwatering and evaporation. The Colorite Earth Quencher Soaker Hose ($29.99 for 100 feet at Amazon) seeps water directly at the base of plants, and it gets extra efficiency points for its water restrictor and recycled tire rubber construction.

Colorite Earth Quencher Recycled-Rubber Soaker Hose

The power of mulch. A 2-4” layer of mulch spread around the base of trees and plants will help retain moisture and reduce evaporation, meaning less watering will be needed. Create a slight depression in the center to further help retain water and prevent runoff.

Rain Is Your Friend.

Rain beats a sprinkler any day. Rainwater is the ideal water source for outdoor plants – it’s free, and contains none of the chlorine found in tap water. Depending on the weather, you might not actually need to do any additional irrigation, so don’t risk over-watering if you don’t have to.

Taylor Precision Rain Gauge

Simple tools like a rain gauge and a soil moisture sensor can give you a good indication whether or not you really need to get the hose out. The Taylor Precision Rain Gauge ($7.62 at Amazon) is simple and easy-to-read, and the Luster Leaf Rapitest 4-in-1 soil tester ($11.55) measures moisture as well as soil acidity, fertilizer levels, and sunlight.

Save it for later. A rain barrel is one of the easiest ways to collect rainwater from your gutters, and use it later when it’s needed. You can easily improvise your own, but the Algreen Cascata 65-Gallon Rain Barrel ($149.99 at Amazon) has a generous capacity, an integrated hose and spigot, and a design that’s downright attractive.

Algreen Cascata 65-Gallon Rain Barrel

For even bigger applications, you can super-size your rainwater usage with a large-scale storage system like the Rainwater Pillow.

Carwash With Care

Using a commercial carwash is generally easier on you and the environment. Commercial carwashes are usually much more efficient than at-home washing, and they often recycle their water. A typical commercial carwash might use around 30 gallons per wash (roughly equivalent to a bath) instead of literally hundreds of gallons when someone lets their hose run in the driveway.

If you need to wash your car yourself, don’t let the water run into the gutter while you scrub. A sprayer like the Dramm 9-Pattern Revolver Hose Nozzle ($12.49 at Amazon) will cut water waste, and give you more oomph when it’s time to rinse. Bonus: its variety of spray patterns make it great for delicate plant watering as well as heavy-duty spraying.

Dramm 9-Pattern Revolver Hose Nozzle

And since you’re using a biodegradable soap (you are, right?) try parking your car on the lawn while washing. The grass will get a watering, and the runoff won’t run into the sewer or evaporate off the driveway.

Sweep, Don’t Spray

For paved areas like patios and driveways, resist the temptation to hose away debris like leaves. A plastic rake or wide push broom will get the job done just as well – and won’t waste a drop of water.

Do you have other suggestions for simple ways to cut household water consumption? Leave a comment below and let us know!

Efficient, Eco-Friendly Lawn Care: Reel Mower By Fiskar

April showers might bring May flowers – but they also bring an explosion of lawn growth. Traditional lawn care can rely on some pretty nasty chemicals and smoke-belching machines, but luckily there are alternatives. Read on to learn about some innovative products to keep your lawn beautiful and healthy, while keeping the environment healthy too.

Fiskars Momentum Reel Mower

Fiskars Momentum Reel Mower

Common gas-powered mowers actually produce a stunning amount of air pollution considering their small size, and spilled gasoline is a nasty toxin that has no place in your yard. Plus, both you and your neighbors will appreciate the lack of engine noise on a quiet summer afternoon.

Why It Was Chosen:
The Fiskars Momentum Reel mower is no relic from your grandparents’ garage – it’s a 21st century tool that incorporates several design innovations. A large-diameter reel and heavyweight blades give this mower extra “oomph”, which Fiskars says avoids jamming and reduces cutting effort by 30%. The “Versa-Cut” design allows cutting heights from 1-4”, and inset wheels allow close edge cutting along lawn borders. Finally, the mower promises an ergonomic design and low-friction, low-maintenance blades.

The Fiskars Momentum retails for $249.99. Visit the Fiskars website to locate a local dealer place an order. See also this similar mower by American Lawn Mower for $66.

Eco-Lawn Low Maintenance Grass Seed

Eco-Lawn Low Maintenance Grass Seed

If you’re creating a new lawn space, remember that certain types of grass require much less maintenance and fertilization than others. Choosing the right seed will save you time and money down the road, and help avoid the need for fertilizers and watering.

Why It Was Chosen:
Wildflower Farm has developed a proprietary blend of fescue grasses that it claims have several major advantages over the common blends you’d find at your local garden center. Eco-Lawn Grass Seed is said to be drought-resistant and both sun- and shade-tolerant. The manufacturer also states that Eco-Lawn grows well in virtually any soil type with no added fertilizers, and it grows so slowly that it requires mowing just once a month.

Learn more or order Eco-Lawn at the Eartheasy website. A 5-lb. bag (enough for 1,000 square feet of coverage) retails for $27.95.

Bradfield Organics Luscious Lawn Corn Gluten

Bradfield Organics Luscious Lawn Corn Gluten

Fertilizing and weed control can be a constant battle for homeowners – but who wants to create a perfect-looking lawn that’s too toxic to enjoy? Corn gluten, a non-toxic byproduct of the corn milling process, is an effective pre-emergent weed suppressant and nitrogen supplement.

Why It Was Chosen:
Luscious Lawn from Bradford Organics blocks weed germination by drying the weed seeds before they sprout. When spread in the spring and fall, it is effective against a wide range of common yard weeds, including dandelions, crabgrass, and clover. Its 9% nitrogen content means it can be also be used year round as a fertilizer supplement. Luscious Lawn is a granulated form of corn gluten, which is versatile for use in a fertilizer spreader or broadcasting by hand.

A 40-lb. bag of Luscious Lawn Corn Gluten (enough to treat approximately 2,000 sq. ft.) is available from Amazon for $49.99.

Rainwater Pillow Rainwater Collection Bladder

Rainwater Pillow Rainwater Collection Bladder

Watering is a key part of keeping your lawn healthy, but using municipal tap water to irrigate your yard can be expensive and strain local resources. Utilizing collected rainwater is free, plus it reduces the amount of wastewater that treatment plants need to process after a storm.

Why It Was Chosen:
The Rainwater Pillow is a big step up from a simple rain collection barrel. The standard version of this flexible storage bladder has a 1,000 gallon capacity and measures 9’ x 11’ x 2.5’, making it the perfect size for underneath a deck. It features debris filters and an integrated electric pump, so it can be used with standard garden hoses and sprinkler systems.

The Rainwater Pillow is an investment, but over time it can substantially reduce your utility costs and environmental footprint. The complete 1,000-gallon system is available for $2,500. Check out the MetaEfficient profile of the Rainwater Pillow, or visit the Rainwater Pillow website for more information.

Luster Leaf 1818 Rapitest Mini 4-in-1 Soil Tester

Luster Leaf 1818 Rapitest Mini 4-in-1 Soil Tester

Before you start tinkering with water levels or soil chemistry, you need to know what you’re dealing with. A simple soil tester will let you know which aspects of your lawn are already healthy, and point out what needs attention.

Why It Was Chosen:
The Luster Leaf Rapitest 4-in-1 Soil Tester is a quick and effective way to measure four key elements of your lawn: moisture levels, soil acidity, light levels, and fertility. It requires no batteries, and includes information on ideal levels for over 150 plants.

You can find the Luster Leaf 4-in-1 Soil Tester at Amazon for $11.63.

Let us know if you have experience with any of these products by leaving a comment below.

The Rainwater Pillow (photo: Rainwater Collection Systems, Inc.)

Utilizing rainwater runoff is a double bonus for homeowners, both in environmental and financial terms.  It reduces the amount of water consumed from the municipal system, and it lessens the strain on wastewater treatment facilities that must process water after it flows down the drain.  A rain barrel is great for small-scale applications like a flower garden, and now there is an option for large-scale rainwater collection without the need for a traditional cistern:  the Rainwater Pillow.

The Rainwater Pillow system consists of an intake filter connected to a flexible water storage bladder, and an outflow hose powered by a small integrated pump.  The standard 1,000-gallon Rainwater Pillow measures 9’ x 11’ x 2.5’, and it can be positioned in any convenient spot (such as underneath a deck).  Custom designs are also available for larger applications (up to 40,000-gallon capacity) and also for potable water systems.  According to the manufacturer, a roof measuring 40’ x 40’ would provide enough runoff during one inch of rainfall to fill the 1,000-gallon Pillow.

Rainwater Pillow System (photo: Rainwater Collection Systems, Inc.)

In a typical setup, pipes connect downspouts to the filter connection, which screens out any leaves or debris.  Redundant overflow pipes prevent the Pillow from bursting when it reaches its capacity.  The manufacturer states that the Pillow can safely store water for up to five years, and the reinforced polymer alloy material is resistant to both UV rays and temperature extremes. The outflow pump provides adequate water pressure for uses like lawn irrigation, and the system even features a remote pump control in case the pillow is positioned in a hard-to-reach spot.

The Rainwater Pillow isn’t exactly cheap (prices start at $2,500 for the complete 1,000-gallon system) but a large-scale rainwater collection system like this could substantially reduce both your utility costs and your environmental footprint.  Learn more at the Rainwater Pillow website.

Chicago's Green Alley Initiative (photo: Chicago DOT)

Urban alleyways. Grubby places that only scrappy cats or cop-show perps could love, right? Not in Chicago, where the Department of Transportation is giving them some serious TLC with its recently implemented Green Alley Program. This city-wide renovation initiative will offer some surprising environmental benefits and improve quality of life for residents.

Alleys may seem like a tiny fraction of a city’s infrastructure. But Chicago has more than any other city in the world – 1,900 miles of alleyways that translate to 3,500 acres of paved landscape. And traditional alley designs have been plagued with flooding problems that overwhelm the city’s sewers, plus they can worsen nighttime light pollution and trap heat in the summer months. In response to this, The Chicago Department of Transport has followed the lead of Portland and companies like Aviva and Johnson & Johnson who have introduced impressive green initiatives. The four basic components of Chicago’s Green Alley program are effective stormwater management, minimizing heat absorption, creating designs to reduce light pollution, and maximizing the use of recycled materials wherever possible.

Alley Before And After Renovation (photo: Chicago DOT)

Using permeable pavement along with proper grading for drainage is a key element of managing water runoff. Paving materials that let rainwater infiltrate the soil (instead of entering the sewers) allow groundwater to be recharged, and reduce unnecessary stress on water treatment plants. A variety of pavers are being used, including permeable asphalt and concrete materials as well as open grid-style pavement tiles.

Permeable Paving Materials (photo: Chicago DOT)

The “heat island” effect that occurs when paved surfaces absorb the sun’s rays can substantially increase ambient temperature (and energy demand) in the summer months. The Green Alley program mandates the use of high-albedo (light-colored) pavements that absorb minimal heat. Benefits include reducing the need for air-conditioning in surrounding structures, and creating a better environment for vegetation growth.

Nighttime light pollution means that in most urban areas, a starry sky is a rarity. The Green Alley program requires the use of directional light fixtures that give street-level illumination for residents without shining upward into the sky. The new fixtures also provide a natural white light instead of the ubiquitous yellow glow seen from older sodium lamps.

Using recycled construction materials is also crucial for the Green Alley program, and creates cost savings while reducing raw material consumption and stress on landfills. Recycled concrete aggregate is being used in both foundation and surface layers, and reclaimed asphalt and ground tire-rubber can be used in pavement. Slag waste from steel production can also be used in the concrete components of the projects.

The Green Alley upgrades are being gradually implemented throughout the city. The Department of Transportation is also working with property owners to encourage their involvement in the Green Alley program, by providing maintenance advice and encouraging projects like rain gardens to complement the new alley designs.
(Via Chicago Department of Transportation)

Nikon has introduced some new binoculars called Ecobins with some nice green features. The body of the binocular is made with rubber than does not include chloride, toxic inks or dyes. The lens and prisms are made with Nikon’s Eco-Glass™, which is lead- and arsenic-free.

The strap and travel case are made with 100% Tencel, which is produced from sustainable Eucalyptus forests and manufactured with minimal waste.

The packaging is also green, being produced from eighty-five percent post-consumer waste and printed on recyclable FiberStone® paper.

Ecobins are available from Amazon for about $170.

Via: Groovy Green