All posts by RainBankAdmin

Infrastructure

Families Shirk Suburbia for Urban Life

In this March 3, 2015 photo, Michael Kelly offers his daughter, Elea, 2, a taste of fresh herbs that he grows at Sprout, the restaurant he owns in Seattle's downtown Pioneer Square neighborhood, as his wife, Jenny, looks on. The Kellys live only a few blocks away, and are a part of a small but growing number of parents who are bucking the trend of moving to suburbs when they have children. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)
In this March 3, 2015 photo, Michael Kelly offers his daughter, Elea, 2, a taste of fresh herbs that he grows at Sprout, the restaurant he owns in Seattle’s downtown Pioneer Square neighborhood, as his wife, Jenny, looks on. The Kellys live only a few blocks away, and are a part of a small but growing number of parents who are bucking the trend of moving to suburbs when they have children. (AP Photo/Ted S. Warren)

Seattle’s population composition, along with other cities like Portland, OR could be seeing a trend where young parents opt to remain in,  or return to the city life they enjoyed pre-families.

On March 24th, the Associated Press reported that “A small but growing number of parents are bucking a trend when it comes to raising their kids: Rather than move to suburbs as their parents once did, many are opting to stay in or near downtown. Some do it to seek an urban lifestyle, shorten commutes or be within proximity to restaurants, museums and other attractions.”

Citing a 30% increase in school enrollment between 2007 and  2012, this vocal group has been pushing cities to become friendlier to families – by requesting they add  schools, green space and recreational services to accommodate this growing population.

To read the full article, please click here.

Rainwater Catchment, Rainwater Harvesting Education

Water and Sustainable Development

UN World Water Day logoOn World Water Day 2015, ARCSA, as well as dozens of other organizations, stepped up to encourage the use of rainwater collection as a vital tool in efforts to deal with local and global water-related issues existing today. According to ARCSA, “Rainwater provides numerous benefits: 

  • Rainwater is a valuable resource that is underutilized.  Its harvest and use can alleviate challenges related to water resources, potable, non-potable, and stormwater, and energy for pumping water. 
  • Local rainwater harvesting solutions enhance water security and provide important relief to households and communities. All around the world, rainwater infiltration, and collection, storage and use offer benefits for the environment, wildlife and humans, e.g. improved water quality and availability for urban areas, industry and agriculture. 
  • It is time for rainwater catchment to be included in the development plans of all governmental agencies as part of their integrated watershed management strategies. 
  • Introduction of the concept of rainwater management – maximizing rain’s benefits as a vital resource while minimizing potential rain hazards – to curricula of technical schools and universities will bring future benefits to urban planning, architectural and agricultural projects.”

The United Nations has designated March 22 as World Water Day, celebrated annually, and this year the focus topic was Sustainable Development and how water links to all areas – health, nature, urbanization, industry, energy, development and food.  See more below:

In conjunction with World Water Day, the UN releases its comprehensive annual report – the World Water Development Report, which addresses world water issues and promotes sustainability.

Click here to download the full report, which offers several anecdotes and case studies of how rainwater harvesting is being used worldwide to mitigate the effects of over population, aging infrastructure, drought and stretched resources.

Infrastructure

Eiffel Tower Models Sustainable Living

eiffel towerAn iconic structure known the world over, the Eiffel Tower has been fitted with solar panels, wind turbines and rainwater collectors in order to bring energy efficiency to the tower to promote sustainable living.

According to CANARM.org, “The renovations are part of the City of Paris Climate Plan, which seeks to improve energy efficiency, urban heating and reduce gas emissions from road traffic by 2020. “

The story goes on to add that the tower has switched to LED lighting,  has been fitted with solar panels and rainwater collectors.

While still dependent on energy generated elsewhere, the solar panels will meet 50 percent of the tower’s needs for hot water, and the collected rainwater will be used to flush the toilets at the tower.

Click here to read the full text of the article.

First drawing of the Eiffel Tower by Maurice Koechlin