Suburbanites facing fines from municipalities or trying to impress their neighbors have an alternative to keep their lawns shining while still saving water—spray paint.
California's drought is no news. Three months ago, the U.S. Drought Monitor updated the condition to "exceptional" drought, after two years of little rainfall and depleted reservoir levels. However, throughout the state the urgency of water conservation is not being heard, indeed, Southern California's water consumption increased by 8 percent in May. Moreover, according to Jed Oelbaum of GOOD Magazine, "30 to 60 percent of urban fresh water is used for watering lawns (depending on the city)."
In a time where a household can be fined $500 for watering their lawn, or $500 for not watering their lawn, spray painting one's lawn seems like the only sane and viable solution. The method works by painting a non-toxic coat of sparkling green onto dead, brown grass. Costing about 23-35 cents per square foot of grass, businesses say sales of lawn coating have more than doubled within the last year.
FULL STORY: Why Spray Painting Your Lawn is an Act of Patriotism
Southwest Utah Lawn ‘Buyback’ Program Pays Off
Washington County has dramatically reduced per-capita water use, but the region’s explosive growth means increased demand for water.
California Agency Awards $38 Million for Turf Replacement
The grant funds grass replacement rebates for commercial and residential properties and water-saving devices for fire stations.
Opinion: The Time for ‘Yard Reform’ is Now
Replacing lawns with native plants and grasses saves water and improves biodiversity, but some cities make the practice illegal.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
In Urban Planning, AI Prompting Could be the New Design Thinking
Creativity has long been key to great urban design. What if we see AI as our new creative partner?
King County Supportive Housing Program Offers Hope for Unhoused Residents
The county is taking a ‘Housing First’ approach that prioritizes getting people into housing, then offering wraparound supportive services.
Researchers Use AI to Get Clearer Picture of US Housing
Analysts are using artificial intelligence to supercharge their research by allowing them to comb through data faster. Though these AI tools can be error prone, they save time and housing researchers are optimistic about the future.
Making Shared Micromobility More Inclusive
Cities and shared mobility system operators can do more to include people with disabilities in planning and operations, per a new report.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
planning NEXT
Appalachian Highlands Housing Partners
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie