Valley Water Expo in Encino: PASS

A few weeks ago I criticized the Encino Green Expo in Woodley Park (here) as the wrong way to do things. The Valley Water Expo this past week in Balboa Sports Center is the right way to do things.

About 15 vendors were offering rain barrels, sprinkler and greywater systems, non-flush urinals and so on, so that Encino locals could get a better sense of what water conservation is all about. While turnout seemed light, this hopefully is the beginning of something. It really helps to see the products.

Rain barrels were the stars. If you are considering one, I suggest starting small with something you can place under a downspout that can water a nearby garden. If the idea grows on you, get more of them. I have a large rain barrel because water needs will always exceed what rain barrels can deliver. You either go big or you have many of them. Confused? Check out Home Depot or Lowe’s first, then go online.

Since other vendors deserve support for making the effort to participate, here is a selection.

- Theodore Payne Foundation (website here) – in Sun Valley - the place to go for California native plants
- LADWP (here) – info on rebates for water-saving devices
- Greywater Corps (here) – if you want to install a grey water system
- Green and Greener (here), a Valley Village general store of green items including clothes, cleaning and gardening products

Photo: Massimo Catarinella, Wikipedia