May/June 2010 - Indiana Living Green by Indiana Living Green

ON THE COVER: Clifty Falls State Park in Madison, Indiana. © Courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources/Outdoor Indiana

publisher Lynn Jenkins Lynn@IndianaLivingGreen.com (317) 769-3456 EDITOR Jo Ellen Meyers Sharp Editor@IndianaLivingGreen.com C O N T RIBU T O RS Thom England Wendell Fowler Jesse Kharbanda Elizabeth Krajeck Karen Mangia Gillian Molnar Marianne Peters Ryan Puckett Maria Smietana COPY EDITOR Joseph L. Bennett S A LES Sales@IndianaLivingGreen.com (317) 769-3456 graphic design Wilson Design (317) 624-9900 Web Design Margaret Hsu Stout greenway@margaretdesign.com p r i nt i n g The Papers Milford, Indiana s u b s c r i p t i on s $18, six issues Indiana Living Green 1730 S. 950 E. Zionsville, IN 46077

INDIANA LIVING GREEN is published bimonthly and is printed on recycled paper with soy-based inks.

Clifty Inn offers scenic view of Ohio River in Madison. © Courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources/Outdoor Indiana

T A BLE O F C O N T E N T S B u i l d i n g / C on s t r u ct i on • Advice on crawl space maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 F a m i l y / Ho m e / Ed u cat i on • University students major in green . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 • Energy efficient washing machines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23 Ga r d e n • Water-saving tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 l oca l food s / b e v e r a g e s • Foodie couple’s 100-Mile Diet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 • Independent grocers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 T r a v e l / T r an s p o r tat i on • Historic Ohio River getaways . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 f e at u r e s • Book Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 • Business Service Directory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 • Eat Right Now . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 • Footprints . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 • Green Finds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 • Green, Greener, Greenest . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 • Green Marketplace . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 • Hoosier Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 • Publisher’s Letter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 • The Last Row . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

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Green

GREENER Greenest

Indiana Living Green offers ways for you to make a difference.

G ree n

1. Use energy savings procedures with your current washer and dryer, includ ing washing full loads in cold water with the properly measured amount of detergent. Set up an inside drying area to partially dry towels, blue jeans, sweatshirts and other heavy items. Toss them in the dryer when they are nearly dry. 2. Use native plants that are well adapted to Indianaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s weather and precipitation; they demand less water once established. 3. Take a peek at your crawl space and understand the need to manage it correctly for both health and energy reasons.

G ree n er

1. If you are in the market for a new washer or dryer, make sure it is Energy Star rated, and follow the manufacturerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s recommendations for proper use. 2. Put in a rain garden in any low, watersoaked area and mulch garden beds to conserve water. 3. In older homes with vented spaces in the crawl space, keep them continu ously closed as recommended in the story on page 12, to conserve energy

G ree n est

1. Grow tomatoes, lettuce, herbs or other foods that you will enjoy. Feel the soil. Understand the process. Share or preserve the surplus. 2. Join the Meatless Mondays movement to protect the natural resources of the planet. 3. Be involved. Join an organization such as the Hoosier Environmental Council, which educates and advocates on behalf of the planet.

green greetings

FROM PUBLISHER

L YNN

J ENK I NS

Making the turn This past April, the world celebrated the 40th Earth Day, and Indiana celebrated its 20th, holding true to the notion that Hoosiers are often slow to embrace change. Yet, Indiana’s celebration regularly attracts 25,000 people and is considered one of the nation’s most successful ongoing Earth Day events.

Steadily, Indiana is taking more strides forward, making the turn to green. This spring Slow Food Indy was the cover feature on The Snail, Slow Food USA’s online member magazine. Local food champion, Laura Henderson and urban farmer Matthew Jose along with Slow Food Indy will turn a portion of White River State Park into an urban edible garden. This “Growing Places Indy” program is only one of many changes in the local food scene in Indiana where farmers markets and urban farms are popping up faster than anyone could have imagined just a few years ago. Three Slow Food chapters are now established in Indiana: Bloomington, Fort Wayne and Indianapolis. Bloomington also has caught the attention of the local food movement with the prized capture of the national convention of the Consumer Cooperative Management Association’s 54th annual conference in June. Previous conventions were held in large progressive cities like Portland, Atlanta, Chicago and Boston. Bloomingfoods is honored to have been chosen to host the 400 national attendees. It’s not just food that has caught on

with Hoosier awareness. Energy, too, has been making inroads into our sustainable lifestyles. Ranking 23rd in the country, Indianapolis has been recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Energy Star qualified buildings, which use less energy and release less carbon dioxide. The northern half of our state is also making waves, er, wind. You may be surprised to learn that Indiana ranks 13th in the United States for existing capacity of wind power! If you are one of the many Hoosiers who are intrigued with wind farms on a large scale, or interested in small-scale installations for residences, small businesses and schools, then check out WIndiana 2010 conference in July. (See info on inside back cover or at www.in.gov/oed/2413. htm). We are moving forward, steadily, and certainly faster than we moved toward that first Earth Day. Nonetheless, the road is long. Don’t be discouraged by twists, turns, bumps and thumps along the way. The trip is exciting — stay with us! And please remember to support our advertisers every chance you can. We can’t make it to green without them! n

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May/June 2010

footprints

by Jo Ellen Meyers SharP

Although Indianapolis landscape designer Wendy Ford has been appreciative of native plants for most of her life, she only recently developed a thorough understanding of their role in our environment. Inspired by Doug Tallamy’s book, Bring Nature Home: How Native Plants Sustain Wildlife in Our Gardens, Ford has begun implementing these plants in her landscape designs for her clients Wendy Ford (left) discusses landscape plans and the public. “I’ve always enjoyed getting in with client Carol Michel. touch with the land, including the history of my own yard,” in a geographic area that was formed during the glacial period, she said in a recent interview. A charter member of the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society, back when people just had to have native plants, even if they were rangy, unattractive and not garden-worthy “because they were easy to take care of,” said Ford, owner of Landscape Fancies, LLC (www. landscapefancies.com) In the past several years, many North American native plants have been hybridized to tame their wildness and bring out their best garden-worthy characteristics. For years, gardeners planted native plants for themselves, but now, they plant them for their beauty and to support birds, frogs, salamanders and other wildlife. “Tallamy cinched the case for me,” she said. For all her clients, Ford tries to work into her landscape designs as many native plants or their cultivars as possible. She’s found that by analyzing the type of garden, such as grassland, wood’s edge or wetland, she’s able to select species and cultivars to develop a plant community to complement particular ecosystems. Ford shares her knowledge through several volunteer projects, as well. She edits the Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Journal and maintains the Web site for the Indianapolis Museum of Art Horticultural Society. She also puts into practice what she’s learned for the public. In 2006, she received a grant from Keep Indianapolis Beautiful, Inc., for the Traders Point Gateway project. It did not fit in the neighborhood, which is wooded with several creeks and streams. “It was very industrial looking with a chain link fence and piles of gravel. It was one large greenspace with lawn that needed mowing.” In the past three years, at least 130 volunteers have planted 200 native trees and shrubs at the Indiana Department of Transportation’s salt barn in Traders Point at 71st Street and Lafayette Road. Thousands of motorists transit through this location every day on I-65. As the plants develop, they are creating a complementary habitat for the area’s wildlife and reducing mowing duties for the state. “When I drive down the ramp from the Interstate, I’m always happy to see it growing. It gives me something to watch,” she said. n

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Native plants and wildlife go hand in hand

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Living

Local

LaVida

It seemed like a good idea at the time. Then again, it usually does. The dawn of change is often filled with enthusiasm and hope. It’s typically followed by a period of deep disillusionment. Just think about those New Years’ resolutions. We read the book Animal Vegetable Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver and were filled with enthusiasm and hope at the prospect of reducing our carbon footprint through eating locally. We envisioned leisurely Saturdays shopping the farmers markets followed by bountiful dinners with friends and family. A small herb garden and a few tomato plants at home rounded out our romantic view. While we painted this picturesque existence, we were reminded of childhood when our families had vegetable gardens, visited local orchards and canned food. Subsequently, we began our lifestyle change in April 2008 because we believed it would be better for the environment, the economy and our health. We decided to pursue the following goals: (1) Consume foods from within a 100-mile radius of our home. (2) Purchase the few remaining staples (coffee, rice, olive oil, vitamins, cleaning supplies) from locally owned

businesses. (3) Preserve enough foods to live on through the winter without visiting the grocery store. Our journey was more art than science. We did not have a guideline for how much to purchase, how much to preserve or how much variety would create an optimal year of dining. We knew our Community Supported Agriculture membership would provide a large variety of foods for the summer and the opportunity to purchase additional foods for winter preservation. We enjoyed a delicious summer of dining in 2008. Each bite was a flavor explosion. We delighted in entertaining friends and having them ask us the “secret ingredient” in our sautéed broccoli with garlic. (It’s the locally grown broccoli.) The joy of dining came to a screeching halt in August of 2008. If you’ve lived in Indiana for any length of time, you know that August is

peak produce season — corn, tomatoes, peppers, squash, zucchini and green beans. Every waking moment we were preserving something. We canned tomato juice, froze corn and green beans and prayed for the zucchini to stop reproducing at night while we slept. Every counter was covered with produce. Every apron was soaked with tomato juice, and -- in moments of sheer exhaustion -- we dreamed of what it would be like to indulge ourselves in a trip to “the real grocery store” to buy tidily pre-canned and packaged products. We didn’t succumb to the pressure, we’re happy to report. By November, we looked proudly on our fully stocked deep freezer and our shelves lined with beautiful, home-canned tomato juice. It was like winning the Grand Prize Blue Ribbon at the state fair in multiple categories. Opening a jar of home-canned tomato juice on a snowy winter day is like inhaling the scent of summer. Each sip takes you back to a hot August day when you hungrily pulled a ripe tomato from the vine and devoured it in the privacy of your own yard. That memory somehow gives you the hope to persevere through the dark January days to the warmer days of spring.

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b y K a r e n Man g i a and T h o m En g l and

In fact, it was nearing spring when we began to suffer from an affliction we now term “green bean-itis,” a condition resulting from excessive green bean consumption. In our excitement to preserve food for the winter, we overlooked variety in favor of quantity. If a bushel of green beans is good, our logic went, two bushels will be delicious. WRONG. After oven roasting, drying, frying, grilling, steaming and saucing green beans, we hit our limit. It taught us an important lesson that has served us well in our second full year of living locally — variety truly is the spice of life. When we finished this year’s preservation, we had 104 unique items ready to buoy us through the long winter. The August days were no less tiring, but the winter rewards were immense. Recently, we shared our experiences with our mothers, who both responded, “This is nothing new.” Ah, a slice of humble pie. Is that made locally? n

CSA Tips: • Find a CSA Indiana Living Green, http://bit.ly/bTC3li Going Local blog, http://bit.ly/9ZaUwx • Consider the variety of produce offered and the length of the season. • Choose a convenient delivery time and location. Get started with these local foods: • Eggs • Milk and cheese • Fruit, especially apples, peaches, strawberries and blueberries

Karen Mangia fills her time between meals with a very full-time career in corporate America. Her small carbon footprint resembles a pair of treasured Jimmy Choos. Thom England is a full-time culinary instructor at Ivy Tech Community College of Central Indiana. His free time is spent as a local foods evangelist.

the environment

B Y J e s s e K har b anda

Bringing about a season of change Summer is nearly upon us, and it’s the season of picnics, bike rides and paddling. While we embrace this season to unwind, a part of our minds must be thinking decades ahead — to a world where the seasons that we take for granted may be markedly different for our grandkids and great-grandkids. It’s no hyperbole. Climate scientists predict that if our carbon emissions continue to increase at their present rate, Indiana’s climate will be more like Texas’ by the end of this century. There is momentum in our country, in keeping with the American can-do spirit, to do something serious and significant about climate change, a challenge that scientists, from the National Academy of Sciences at the national level, to Indiana University and Purdue University professors at a local level, see as driven largely by man-made activity. Last June, for example, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to cut national carbon emissions by 80 percent by 2050. Despite the polarized political climate in Washington, Democrats and Republicans are working to forge a similar bill in the U.S. Senate. Where do Hoosiers stand in the fight to tackle global climate change? Unfortunately, the loudest voices in Indiana have been very skeptical at best, and hostile at worst, about climate science and economics. In this atmosphere, U.S. Senators Evan Bayh (D-Ind.) and Richard Lugar, (R-Ind.), who ought to be central figures in the effort to forge a bi-partisan solution to this issue, have both expressed great reluctance to push for putting a price on carbon, a policy that economists believe is the cheapest and fastest route to cut carbon emissions in our country. Fortunately, citizens like you elect these officials, and if you speak up — and urge your fellow Hoosiers to do the same — then our senators might be moved to take the bold, foresighted leadership that is needed at this time. It is true that finding a solution that works for Indiana, a state with the highest carbon footprint in the Midwest will be challenging. But it must be done for the good of the country, and its positive economic potential for Indiana is tremendous. We have abundant renewable energy resources, which emit no carbon. We have yet to tap into the billions of public and private capital available to get us out of our cars and into rail and transit, which emit significantly less carbon. We have an extraordinary manufacturing base that could be a leader in producing the next generation of zero-carbon emitting technologies. Climate action need not be viewed as a threat to Indiana’s economy, but rather as an incredible opportunity. One quick step that you can take is to sign up for Power Up Indiana (www.powerupindiana.org) where, with just a minute of effort, your message to Indiana’s U.S. senators in support of strong climate action can be heard. If we Hoosiers act and speak out, we can be a part of the national solution to help forge a new economic future for our state, and ensure that the summers ahead will be ones that future generations might be able to enjoy just as much as we do. n Jesse Kharbanda is the executive director of the Hoosier Environmental Council. You can learn more about renewable standards at www.hecweb.org

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BOOK REVIEWS Limited availability online www.bluethumb.org/ raingardens, but can be purchased directly from the Marion County Soil and Water Conservation District, 6960 S. Gray Rd., Indianapolis 46237 for $18, or mailed for an additional $3. For more info: (317) 786-1775.

The Blue Thumb Guide to Raingardens Design and Installation for Homeowners in the Upper Midwest by Rusty Schmidt, Dan Shaw and David Dods, Waterdrop Innovations, spiral bound, $17.95

t h e

July/August i s s u e : Buying used Opportunities to learn Personal care products Refrigerators On the water • Sign up for our e-newsletter online www.IndianaLivingGreen.com Find us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter 10

Raingardens are still misunderstood by many people, even experienced gardeners. Location, design, construction and plant selection are critical to the success of their main purpose: to divert stormwater runoff. This excess rainwater creates drainage and erosion problems as it runs into a storm sewers or drainage ditches. A raingarden can turn this undesirable area into an attractive garden for wildlife, including birds and butterflies, as well as filter out pollutants for the benefit of communities downstream. Written by self-styled “certifiable raingarden geeks” in cooperation with the Blue Thumb Planting for Clean Water Program of the Rice Creek Watershed District in Minnesota, the guide covers USDA Zones 3, 4 and 5 which include all but southern Indiana. Nearly half the book discusses best plant choices with photos and detailed information, including light, soil and moisture requirements, along with wildlife appeal.

The large size of the book and the durable water-resistant pages indicate it was designed to be used as an onsite reference. The guide is filled with drawings and pictures and is divided into chapters that make it easy to find answers to common questions, such as where to locate a rain garden, whether it breeds mosquitoes, what a percolation test is and how large a raingarden should be? The one drawback to such a great reference is the absence of an index. However, the chapter divisions are well highlighted. This is an excellent resource for conservation-minded gardeners who want to correct water runoff problems on their properties. By Ly nn Je nkins

People, Parks and Perceptions: A History and Appreciations of Indiana State Parks, by Glory-June Greiff, Woodsprite Press, 2009, Trafford Publishing. $19.95 Glory-June Greiff’s narrative runs like a river west to Shades State Park, south to O’Bannon Woods State Park, east to Whitewater Memorial State Park and from central Indiana’s Fort Harrison State Park — north to Indiana Dunes State Park in Lake County. Greiff, a public historian and Indiana treasure known widely as just GloryJune, was raised in LaPorte County by her parents, who loved forests and dunes. Part one is background beginning with a map and historic images, including that of Richard Lieber (1869-1944) recognized as the “Father of Indiana State Parks.” Black and white photo-

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The book is available from the author at: glory@indy.net and at the following shops: Save the Dunes Gift Shop, Beverly Shores (Porter County), Abe Martin Gift Shop, Brown County State Park, The Book Loft, Nashville, The Book Corner, Bloomington, Howard’s Bookstore, Bloomington, Bookmamas, Indianapolis, Books on Sale, Indianapolis, Artifacts Gallery, Indianapolis State Museum Gift Shop, Indiana Historical Bureau.

graphs document parks across Indiana as Greiff’s lens crops and edits, a reminder that land is scarce and water is vulnerable. Part two discusses the 24 present state parks followed by a chapter, “Former State Parks” which begins “In 1921 the site along the Muscatatuck River known as Vinegar Mills became Indiana’s fourth state park; it briefly retained the quaint original name before being changed to that of the river.” What happened next is a journey for all Americans, especially those who love creeks and rivers. Greiff’s research on automobiles and parks connects Gary to Evansville, beginning with World War I, when “Frequently farmers headed toward town, but city dwellers invaded the rural countryside in droves, forever changing the landscape.” Inspired by Grieff’s vision, I have begun to plan trips to Indiana’s state parks. Professionally documented for elected officials, students and conservationists, this is a book to share with friends and family; to make a list of places to visit; to look again at historic images and to explore People, Parks and Perceptions. B y Eli z ab e t h K r aj e c k

For submission guidelines and to purchase copies, contact: E-mail: mikerogersciwa@aol.com Michael Rogers 328 E. Southern Avenue Indianapolis. IN 46225 poems from about 30 poets. Poetry Garden is part of an industrious arts community in Garfield Park, the Garfield Park South neighborhood and beyond. Neighborhoods everywhere should be so fortunate to have a Rogers, a retired architect, design a publication which nurtures home, garden, park and people. Rogers feels Poetry Garden is a “collection of visual things coming together to make a whole.” In selecting poems, he aims for a broad range in terms of form, subject and expression from current writers, age 17 to 90 years. The base for Poetry Garden is community. The Garfield Park Poetry Circle meets in Garfield Park the third Sunday, each month, as do other groups with interests in music, literature and the visual arts. A garden theme, evident in his poem, “My Words” begins:

Poetry Garden, Editor, Michael Rogers, Parkside Publications, $5

Michael Rogers, editor of Poetry Garden, publishes a bi-annual poetry review, inspired by parks and gardens in urban and rural Indiana. The fourth collection of poems, in planning while Rogers recovers from heart surgery, will appear as the seasons do — in spring or fall, 2010. Each issue includes 35 to 40

and concludes:

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Searching deep I find my words, big beautiful words,

Find in them some comfort, that I had something to say, because I felt something and you can feel something too. B y Eli z ab e t h K r aj e c k

1 1

By Ryan P u ck e tt

A Green Crawl Space — Healthier for You and Your Home Crawl spaces. It’s a perfectively descriptive part of the house — a tiny space with enough room to crawl around.

Structural damage as a result of too much moisture in the crawl space. Photo courtesy of Crawlspace Doctor.

But what exactly is crawling around your crawl space? Rodents? Mold growth? Mildew? Unfortunately, the crawl space tends to be one of the more ignored areas of the home. It’s a cool, dank layer underneath your main floor and it could be wreaking havoc on your home’s air quality and making your heating and cooling equipment work overtime while you foot the energy bill. In Indiana, homes have a full basement and no crawl space, partial basement with some crawl space or a traditional crawlspace. Some homes are built on a slab. Crawl spaces allow room for pipes, ductwork and other behind the scenes home infrastructure when basement space isn’t feasible.

To Vent or Not to Vent For decades, conventional wisdom was to install foundation vents for crawl spaces to help control moisture in the area. As it turns out, venting the crawl space actually contributes to moisture issues. Indiana summers tend to be humid and when that wet air seeps through the vents, condensation forms on pipes, joists and just about every surface in the crawl space area.

1 2

“It’s like taking a glass of ice tea outside on a hot summer day—you get condensation,” says Ken Swain, the general manager of Americrawl, a basement and crawl space repair company. In the winter, moisture is no longer the issue, but the vents allow cold air to enter the crawl space, waging a seasonal battle against your furnace that’s literally being fought at ground level, said Swain, who chuckles when people refer to him as ‘godfather of crawl spaces.’ Tom Saucier, owner of Crawlspace Doctor, says “a crawl space is nothing but a short basement. If you have a basement, you would never leave your windows open year around.”

It Ain’t the Heat, It’s the Humidity Vents aren’t the only way moisture enters a crawl space. A dirt floor is common in the crawl spaces of older homes. Moisture enters the area through the soil, even if it isn’t raining. “Day in and day out, there’s a lot of moisture in the surface of the ground in a crawl space. Ten to 15 gallons of moisture is evaporating into the house everyday,” estimates Saucier. Ideally, a concrete floor would be installed to seal out moisture in an

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• Advanced Energy, a nonprofit that deals with applied building science, built 12 test houses with a variety of crawl space designs to determine the best configuration. The findings on its Web site are accompanied by videos and reports that can help a homeowner determine how to best improve their crawl space, www.crawlspaces.org • Ever Blue Energy, is a LEED training institute founded by veterans, www.everblueenergy.com • Americrawl, http://americrawl.com • Crawlspace Doctor, www.crawlspace doctor.com/ An encapsulated crawl space includes sealing the dirt floor and walls. Photo courtesy of Crawlspace Doctor.

“unfinished” crawl space. However, that is a challenging and costly process in an existing home and not as friendly on the wallet as the method of sealing the crawl space with a heavy-duty vapor layer. A quality crawl space contractor will use a plastic product that mixes heavy and light gauge fibers such as polyethylene and nylon to line the dirt floor and other areas of the crawl space that need to be sealed. (This is one type of plastic you don’t want to be biodegradable!) Vince DiFrancesco of Everblue Energy Inc., a LEED training institute, also recommends installing some type of rigid insulation underneath the main floor and sealing the edges with spray foam insulation. Without the insulation and sealing, “air is allowed to migrate from a place that is unconditioned and outside the building envelope,” he said. “The whole idea is to keep the crawl space at the same conditions as the living space,” Swain points out. As an alternative to insulation, a contractor can add registers that blow

conditioned air into the crawl space. Saucier calls this a new way of thinking, “Let’s treat the crawl space like any other room in your house.” Conditioning the space in addition to watersealing makes the crawl space more energy efficient because the heating and cooling systems don’t have to work as hard. If conditioning the crawl space isn’t an option, some form of dehumidifier is recommended. “It’s also going to be a healthier home,” adds DiFrancesco, “keeping out mold, mildew, dirt, dust, and even radon.” The other major advantage to eliminating moisture and airflow into a crawl space is how it protects the home from wood rot and termites. “Moisture is the number one cause of structural failure,” said DiFrancesco.

Retrofitting Your Crawl Space: So what’s a homeowner with a dirtfloor crawl space and “Jekyll and Hyde” indoor climate to do? Call a certified

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• Business Performance Institute, http://bpi.org/home.aspx

inspector who’ll make specific recommendations for your home. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to derive estimates for a “typical home” because there are many variables to consider such as the type of foundation, the presence of insulation, and whether or not there are existing foundation vents. DiFrancesco recommends that homeowners look for inspectors with building analyst certifications from organizations such as the Business Performance Institute (BPI). BPI-certified analysts are experts in residential energy efficiency retrofitting and weatherization. You can also find auditors at the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star Web site. www.energystar.gov/homeimprovement. n Ryan Puckett is a freelance writer and communications specialist focusing on all things pertaining to sustainability including green living, conservation, environmental issues and healthy living. He lives in Broad Ripple. Contact him at rmpwriter@ gmail.com

eat right now

B Y W ende l l Fow l e r

We’ve Got To Get Ourselves Back to the Garden On countless levels, a universal awakening has begun: the eagerly anticipated age of enlightenment, peace and understanding. The slumbering beast has awakened, experiencing a burning-bush moment. Success ensues when we get out of the way. Enlightening your green food mentality simply indicates you’re learning and growing, the reason for being on this earthly plane. Post Industrial Revolution food processing practices are at the root of the healthcare catastrophe, not us. To apply blame to this lunacy, we only need to face Capitol Hill’s good ole boys, lap-dogs of agribusiness. You didn’t cause disease rates to soar; they did. It was their inexpert Recommended Daily Allowances. Our only blunder was we trusted. Poor, substandard food, seasoned with colorfully decorated deception, raw greed and smart-bomb misinformation is enthusiastically endorsed by the deadened U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Plus, our “leaders” pat themselves on the back, seek photo-ops and constituent approval for sending low-grade food to distressed third-world countries. However, the ‘foods’ they dispatch are inferior to what’s available indigenously to these downtrodden. White rice, all-purpose flour, sugar, succulent military meals-ready-to-eat, valueless canned food with Bisphenol A and canned SPAM are all nutritionally insolvent and exacerbate disease, providing little or no substantial nutrition, just unoccupied calories and self aggrandizement. Why not hold a gun to their heads? Time’s ripe for “green” free thinkers to confront America’s current food Zeitgeist of industrial-strength, almost, but not quite edible food-like substances and then to return to a lucid, wholesomely Locavore approach of eating and living designed by the great creator. The current limelight on health indicates an admission we’ve been wrong; however, no one is held culpable. I was shopping with the grandkids one afternoon when they noticed one section dedicated to “Health Foods.” Their astute observation, “Grandpa, if this is the healthy section, does it mean all the other food is unhealthy?” And a child will lead them. n

Chef Wendell Fowler (www.chefwendell.com) has been a vegan vegetarian for 20 years, prompted by his near-death from terminal viral heart disease. He lost 100 pounds and overcame alcohol, cigarettes and fast food. Death can be rather motivating.

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GREEN FINDS

Maggie Bags These bags are made of seat belt webbing that was rejected because of slight flaws or color variations. Made in Tennessee, the material creates high quality shoulder bags, clutches, totes, laptop bags, diaper bags and backpacks. Cost: $59 and up. Available at www.CeleryStreet.com, www. MaggieBags.com and other retailers.

Berlin Gardens Adirondack Chair Amish craftsmen in Ohio make Berlin Gardens, Adirondack and other outdoor furniture out of polylumber made of recycled milk jugs. The color is through and through on this high quality, extremely durable furniture, assembled with aluminum hardware. Items include gliders, tables, patio and bar stools. Available in many single and two-tone colors, including tropical and natural hues. Cost: $299. Available at Sullivan Hardware & Garden, www. sullivanhardware.com in Indianapolis, Dars in Fort Wayne (260) 482-2099, and online retailers.

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Lynn

J e nk i n s

Co-op Crazy Kyle Hendrix would likely tell you that he had some notion in 2007 of the total effort a neighborhood co-op would take, but that he had no idea it would bring so many diverse people together for the pursuit of a healthy food option. And as Indianapolis’ first food co-op store opens its doors, Kyle believes everyone’s work will pay dividends to the members, the neighborhood and beyond. To find out more about this unique grocery store, Indiana Living Green spoke with Hendrix, president and chairman of the board of the Indy Food Co-op, about the process, hopes and dreams. ILG: When do you expect Pogue’s Run Grocer to open? Hendrix: We are hoping for a late spring/early summer opening. We had a few delays with regards to getting our building permit, but we have taken care of those issues and are proceeding with the store renovation. ILG: Describe what people will see when they enter the Pogue’s Run Grocer. Will it seem like a supermarket, the corner grocery store, a natural food store, a farmer’s market? Hendrix: It should look like a combination of the corner grocery/natural foods market. The produce area might be a little more like a farmers market stall.

sources as possible at the most affordable price possible, while paying living wage to local growers and producers. ILG: Why a co-op? Hendrix: We wanted this store to be an integral part of the community. The best model for that is a co-op, as it is owned by its members, allowing for input on the direction the Indy Food Co-op should go. Any profits from sales stay local. ILG: Is this store really just for the neighborhood? If not, why would someone make the effort to travel past other markets to shop here? Hendrix: It’s not just for the neighborhood. Outside of farmers markets, Pogue’s Run Grocer will be a central location to get local products seven days a week. I’ll reiterate that a communityowned store has a direct positive impact on the local economy, as any profits, stay local. ILG: Then, what is the main area of Indianapolis that you will be serving? Hendrix: We are focusing on the downtown and near east side, but we would like to be a regional draw as well. We do have members from as far away as Carmel and Greensburg, so I think we can achieve that goal.

ILG: What is the mission statement for the Indy Food Co-op?

ILG: If two other major supermarkets pulled out of the area, why do you think Pogue’s Run will thrive?

Hendrix: Our mission is to provide healthy, natural food from as many local

Hendrix: I believe people will see this as a community asset and, literally and

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Pogue’s Run Grocer 2828 E. 10th St., Indianapolis Hours: Mondays through Fridays, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Sundays, noon to 5 p.m. Parking: Plenty of on-site parking. Web: www.indyfoodcoop.org

figuratively, put their money where their mouth is. I mean, here is an opportunity to truly lead a better life by accessing healthier foods and supporting local people, companies and endeavors to sustain the local economy. ILG: Where has the significant funding come from, and how important are memberships? Hendrix: Our vision for Pogue’s Run would not have been possible if it were not for organizations and people like the Chase Foundation, Local Initiatives Support Corporation, East 10th Street Civic Association, the John H. Boner Community Center, Community Health Networks, the Central Indiana Community Foundation, Codo Design, One Ten Studio, Architects for Humanity, Pam Frazier and Martha Hoover. These partners are invaluable to helping us complete our mission, but it is only half of the equation. The other half is our members. Being a member not only helps to ensure our success, it is an opportunity for people to be directly involved in how we as a community access healthy food that translates into better quality of life. ILG: What else do you want people to know about the co-op? Hendrix: I want them to know that we are not just a natural foods grocery store. We are an advocate for better health. Once up and running, we begin cooking and nutrition classes. There will be volunteer opportunities at the co-op and in the neighborhood. One of our long-range goals is to be involved with the urban farming movement and

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Volunteers painted a colorful mural to identify the Pogue’s Run Grocer in the East side neighborhood. Photo courtesy Indy Food Co-op.

provide resources to neighborhoods for community garden development. As you can see, we want to be an integral part of the community.

common community asset, capital center, community gathering place, sustainable health and food advocate and local economy center.

Indiana Living Green also spoke with Greg Monzel, the general manager of Pogue’s Run Grocer, for more specific answers to the shopping experience.

ILG: What does it cost?

ILG: Must I be a member to shop? Monzel: Membership is not required; anyone may shop at Pogue’s Run Grocer. This is consistent with other retail food co-ops. ILG: What’s the advantage to joining? Monzel: There are some financial advantages to membership. Members will receive discounts on case purchases, sales items and participate in discount days. Membership also entitles voting rights in organizational direction, the right to run for election to the board of directors, and working volunteer opportunities to have hands-on experience exploring where our food comes from. Furthermore, membership is an investment in a

Monzel: Membership fees include a $125 one-time common capital contribution as well as a $25 annual administration fee per shopper in the household. Thus, for a one-shopper household, the initial membership is $150; for three shoppers, it amounts to $200. Some scholarships have been funded through our partners, and we are working on details to extend these memberships to those in the community who cannot otherwise afford them. ILG: What foods will you stock? Monzel: At Pogue’s Run Grocer, shoppers may purchase all of their basic needs and staple foods, as well as value-added products and farm-fresh local produce. We will also carry a full dairy department, a wide selection of bulk foods, frozen goods, body care products and supplements, environmen-

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Indy isn’t the only city buzzing with co-op excitement this summer. In June, Bloomingfoods will host the Consumer Cooperative Management Association’s annual conference in Bloomington with a theme, “Love What We Do and Do What We Love.” The meeting is a gathering for food co-op staff and board members, as well as people from other cooperative organizations. The conference will showcase the three Bloomingfoods co-op stores, which have had upgrades and redesigns, including an expanded garden center at the East store and a covered patio at the Near West Side store. “It is an exception and an honor for Bloomington to have been chosen as host this year,” said Ellen Michel, marketing manager for Bloomingfoods. Previous host cities have been Pittsburgh, Portland, Chicago and Boston. As many as 400 attendees will tour area quarries, the historic West Baden Hotel, the Lost River Community Co-op in Paoli, local farms and community gardens. They’ll also visit attractions on the Indiana University campus — Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender and Reproduction; Lilly Library; Art Museum; and Kirkwood Observatory.

tally friendly cleansers and household products, locally roasted brewed coffee, breakfast pastries and more. The coop will also have a small deli open all day for fresh sandwiches, soups and salads. As Kyle stated, the feel will be somewhere between corner market and natural food store, with a local, urban ambience. ILG: What else do you want people to know? Monzel: Pogue’s Run Grocer will be a center for people to come together around food. We will hold events and community gatherings to work toward solutions for our imperiled food system. The Indy Food Co-op exists for the benefit of all Hoosiers to anchor the local food network here in Indiana and help drive local product development. The store will be a safe and inviting place to all who are passionate for sustainability in food. n

By ILG Staff

River towns make great

Summer Getaways Above: Clifty Falls State Park Right: Labyrinth at New Harmony draws thousands of visitors. © Photos courtesy Indiana Department of Natural Resources/Outdoor Indiana

Madison Tucked away in southeastern Indiana on the Ohio River is Madison, one of the state’s most charming and naturally beautiful communities. Madison is home to the country’s largest district on the National Register of Historic Places. The 133 blocks on the register include shops, a winery, restaurants, a broad sampling of significant architecture and spectacular views of the Ohio River. Nearby are Clifty Falls State Park, a name that truly reflects its topography, and the lovely Clifty Inn. The third weekend in May is the annual Ohio River Valley Folk Festival on the banks of the Ohio, to celebrate the history of the region in song, storytelling, food and art. For more info about the festival May 21, 22 and 23, go to www. ohiorivervalleyfolkfestival.com or call (800) 559-2956. In June, the Jefferson County seat celebrates Lanier Days, complete with a Civil War encampment and reenactments, talks, period music, historic trades fair and children’s crafts. The

Lanier Mansion State Historic Site is the centerpiece of the three-day festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., June 19 and 20. For more information, got to www.indianamuseum.org/sites/lanispec.html or call (812) 273.0556.

New Harmony In the southwest corner of the state on the Ohio River is New Harmony, a still-vibrant community founded by the Rappists as part of their religious philosophy. Probably the most spectacu-

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lar venue is the Historic New Harmony Labyrinth. Originally planted by the Harmonists as a place of meditation and thought, the labyrinth symbolizes life’s difficult path to harmony and perfection. At the center is a log cabin where visitors can rest and meditate. One of Indiana’s Hidden Treasures (http://hiddentreasuresindiana.org) it is part of the New Harmony State Historic Site. The labyrinth is open year round, and admission is free. For more info: www.usi. edu/hnh/labyrinth.asp. For other New

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Spring bulbs adorn Lanier Historical Site in Madison.

Harmonie State Park offers many family activities, including swinging in the summer sunset.

Harmony events, including an annual antique fare, writersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; projects and summer theater, go to www.newharmonyinfo.com/ events.html While in the Posey County area, visitors also are drawn to Harmonie State Park. Go to www.in.gov/dnr/ parklake/2981.htm for more activities. The place to stay, or at least dine, is the New Harmony Inn and its Red Geranium Restaurant, www.newharmonyinn.com. n

May/June 2010

By G i l l i an Mo l na r

Indiana colleges earn top grades for going green According to the Princeton Review, 63 percent of college applicants look for a commitment to the environment when they search for a school. For prospective undergraduates, Indiana has plenty of colleges to choose from that are dedicated to reducing their carbon footprints. Simple steps such as switching light bulbs, taking shorter showers and recycling positively affect the economy and the environment. Here’s a sampling of how Indiana’s college students have found ways to live green.

Ball State University The third-largest university in Indiana is about to make history with the largest heat pump complex in the nation. Ball State plans to install a geothermal system that will use Earth’s natural temperature to heat and cool 45 buildings on the 660-acre campus. Although the upfront cost is steep, the heat pump will save the university $2 million annually in fuel and slice carbon dioxide emissions in half. It’s only fitting that a campus this environmentally conscious is home to a slew of student organizations dedicated to sustainability. One is Emerging Green Builders, whose members mostly major in architecture, landscape architecture and urban planning. Amanda Bosse, the 2009 club president, says it is about educating themselves on environmental concerns within the building and development industries. “We learn about green buildings through green tours and lectures, as well as conferences such as Indiana Building Green,” said Bosse. The group also hosts study sessions

Rose-Hulman’s EcoCar team strives to increase gas mileage, reduce greenhouse gas emissions without compromising the performance or consumer marketability of the car. Photo courtesy Rose Hulman

for students to become LEED Accredited Professionals. Besides learning, they also pursue volunteer work such as cleaning up the White River in the Muncie area, and collecting used electronics to be recycled.

Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology Located in Terre Haute, Rose-Hulman is a small, private college known for nationally ranked engineering, math and science programs. It’s no wonder that it was one of 17 schools selected to participate in EcoCar: The NeXt Chal-

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lenge, a three-year competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors. The advanced vehicle engineering competition challenges teams of students to transform a Saturn VUE into a hybrid electric/hybrid fuel cell/electric vehicle. Now in its second year, Rose-Hulman’s EcoCar team finished its design, and this past fall received a car donated from GM. The goal is to modify the vehicle to increase gas mileage and cut back on greenhouse gas emissions without compromising the performance of the car and keeping it marketable to consumers. Efficient vehicles aren’t the only reason for Rose-Hulman’s decreasing carbon footprint. The Sustainability Team is a group comprised of students, faculty and facilities operators who work to meet the school’s present needs while being environmentally conscious. Recent initiatives include green cleaning in all buildings; nighttime temperature setbacks; use of compact fluorescent lights; testing waterless urinals, each of which saves 45,000 gallons of water annually; and, the commitment for all future buildings to meet LEED standards.

Indiana University The university’s Office of Sustainability is home to the Student Sustainability Council, which consists of 14 collaborating organizations. Emilie Rex of the sustainability office describes the council’s overarching mission as a way for groups to coordinate efforts so projects won’t be duplicated. The office employed 82 student interns to apply their diverse ventures, ranging from

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planning the annual Energy Challenge to native prairie implementation and growing organic gardens. The Energy Challenge, which lasts four weeks in April, is a contest between the dormitories and Greek houses to see who can conserve the most energy and water. Last year, the program’s success resulted in saving $46,000 in just those few weeks, all due to behavioral change by the students. Sustainable food options have also surfaced at I.U. Interns Christina Musgrave and Kate Rogoski designed two permaculture gardens, one for organic food production and another for a forest garden to grow fruit-bearing trees. Last summer, intern Nora Kayden coordinated with Indiana Memorial Union and food services to compost pre-consumer food waste. Finally, this fall will kick off the second Themester, the topic being “Sustainability: Thriving on a small planet.” Themester is an initiative for faculty and staff to engage students with knowledge, creativity and exploring new ideas in the ways of sustainability.

University of St. Francis

This small college in Fort Wayne has taken big steps towards reducing its environmental impact. In fall 2009, it founded Eco Club, a new student group led by President Liz Hamman. In just one semester, Eco Club planted a rain garden, put trees in Shoaff Park, recycled electronics, cleared and mulched a trail on campus, raised funds and purchased eco-friendly household products to donate to Habitat for Humanity. Another project started the previous year is the Tour de France, a bicycle loan program for students on campus who need transportation. A growing group of bikes is available for students to borrow instead of driving their cars to class. The university has installed more bike racks to encourage the use of this program. An interesting effort on campus includes salvaging wood from trees after storms and using it in woodworking projects or as fuel in the ceramics kiln. Also, discarded furniture from students moving out is retrieved and sent to schools and churches in Honduras. —Continued on page 22

May/June 2010

Colleges going green — Continued from page 21

Purdue University Purdue is going Black, Gold, and Green with the developments of the student organization, Boiler Green Initiative. BGI is a group of students from many different majors who focus on committees such as recycling, storm water management, carbon neutrality, environmental policy and alternative transportation. But the underlying reason for the group is the installation of a green roof on Schleman Hall, a major student services building. A $68,700 grant from State Farm Insurance made the project possible.

Purdue’s Boiler Green Initiative focuses on recycling, storm water management, carbon neutrality, environmental policy and alternative transportation, including a green roof on Schleman Hall. Photo courtesy Purdue University

BGI, along with other organizations, works to monitor the energy efficiency, storm water runoff, vegetation and wildlife that result from the green roof. One benefit is that 99 percent of rainfall is absorbed into the plant life that lives on top of the building. On a normal tar roof, this runoff would take pollutants into storm sewers. The green roof also insulates the building, significantly lowering heating and cooling costs. Installed in 2009, Purdue’s green roof is accessible to the public. BGI members give tours to anyone who wants to learn more about how it works. Gillian Molnar is a recent Purdue University graduate who wrote this article as an Indiana Living Green intern.

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b y Ma r i ann e P e t e r s

High Energy Washers: Use As Directed Laundry nirvana at last. For months, I ogled front-loading washing machines and gushed about their energy-saving advantages to my reticent husband. Now I finally have one — all chrome and lights and silver buttons. Every green cell in my body quivered with anticipation: less energy! less water! cleaner clothes! A faster spin cycle! To top it off, this appliance looks so cool. I could tell a difference with my first load. After it tumbled my clothes clockwise, then counter-clockwise, then spun them at a blistering 1100 rpm, my new machine turned out a clean, bright and practically dry load of laundry. I didn’t have to stop the machine to rebalance the load or untangle underwear from the agitator. It worked quietly, in contrast to my old top-loading washer, whose squeaky crescendo shook the house like a space shuttle launch. After a few weeks, however, there was trouble in Paradise. Transferring clothes from the washer to the matching dryer required me to crouch in front of the machines or bend over awkwardly, inviting eventual back surgery. I couldn’t pop extra items in once the washing had started because the door locked (and even if I could open it, soapy water would spill onto my shoes). What really concerned me, though, was the condensation on the drum and water that collected inside the door gasket after each cycle. Should I wipe it down? Leave the door open? I never had this problem with my old washer. I began to wonder if my high-efficiency front loader had some dirty secrets.

The Advantages of High Energy Consumer Reports tested and compared both top- and front-loading washing machines. According to the trials, high energy front-loaders use less energy than regular top-loaders. They also use up to 50 percent less water per load. Though they use a fraction of the water top-loaders do, front-loading high energy washers clean clothes more effectively. Clothes are tumbled through sudsy water, rather than pulled through with an agitator, which can damage fabrics. Front-loading washers also use a super-fast spin cycle, which reduces drying time whether you use a clothesline or a dryer.

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Overall, the front-loading washers Consumer Reports tested rated consistently better on both washing performance and energy- and water-usage than the top-loaders, even the top-loaders listed as Energy Star models.

The Reality Check Despite all their advantages, high-energy front-loaders have a few disadvantages. Front-loading washers cost more than top-loaders. True, they might be a —Continued on page 24

HIGH ENERGY WASHERS: USE AS DIRECTED better investment in the long run, but even with discounts and rebates, expect to spend between $700 and $1,500 for the top-rated models, according to Consumer Reports. There are energyefficient top-loaders available, but the most efficient ones are in the $800 to $1,000 range and don’t score as high on washing performance as the frontloaders. Front-loaders, if not used correctly, can harbor mold and mildew. Their design does not allow for evaporation, and the heavy rubber door gasket collects water in its folds, even as it seals it in during wash cycles. A few appliance manufacturers are facing class-action lawsuits related to mold growth in their machines. There are ways to discourage mold growth in a front-loading machine. It’s imperative that consumers read the

— Continued from page 23

owner’s manual and use the washer properly to prevent future problems. I checked my owner’s manual and under the section entitled “Common Washing Problems,” I found the manufacturer’s solutions for dealing with and preventing mold, odor and extra water in the door gasket. The manual instructed me to use the proper amount of high energy detergent and to avoid cold water washes unless the load requires it, so that the detergent will dissolve. Using the right amount of low-sudsing detergent is key to preventing mildew. My manual also instructed me to take the clothes out of the washer immediately after the cycle finished and wipe out the gasket fold with a dry cloth after each wash. (On a typical busy day, I can’t imagine myself faithfully wiping out the gasket). I can also perform a monthly “system clean” cycle, us-

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ing bleach, to prevent mildew or mold build-up. Is this maintenance reasonable, or does my washer have a design flaw? This is still up for debate. While I’m a little disappointed with the moisture issues, I still love my washer, and I can’t argue with the performance or the energy-savings or the soft whir as it spins my load. No more space shuttle. n Marianne Peters is a freelance writer and editor living in Plymouth. She has a Web site: www. wordsmithwritingservice.com and Weblog: http:// hoosierwordsmith.typepad.com.

R esou r ces : Consumer Reports has the complete ratings and reliability report on highenergy washers, as well as reviews and laundry tips, www.consumerreports.com

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U.S. Department of Energy Energy Star lists laundry best practices for saving energy and money, www.energystar.gov Consumer Research has helpful articles such as “Washing Machines: What to Look For” and “Washing Machines: Full Report,” www.consumerresearch. com

Controversial Clotheslines The humble clothesline is stirring up controversy nationwide as advocates tout their energy savings and opponents complain they are an eyesore. Michael Bittinger of West Lafayette says his family started line-drying shortly before the birth of their baby. “Even on chilly spring and fall days, I find myself hauling a basket out back to catch the mid-morning sun,” he says. “Often it’s a pleasure, occasionally it’s a pain, but we know we are doing a good thing for the baby, our wallets, and the planet.” By contrast, Mani Subramaniam, an IT consultant residing in Fishers, says his wife is afraid to hang out laundry. In their suburban community, strict covenants prohibit the use of clotheslines. “I would love for my clothes to be sundried,” says Mani. “When you hang out your clothes, you get a good chance to do some reflection. You don’t just dump your clothes in the dryer and move on to the next thing.” A native of India, he is perplexed by Midwestern attitudes. “The people in my home owner’s association have grown up here and they don’t see a need for a clothesline,” he says. “They don’t know what they are missing.” Clothesline advocates have gotten organized. Alexander Lee (who claims he was raised by a frugal, line-drying Yankee mother) started Project Laundry List, an organization based in Vermont that promotes “the right to dry.” He is concerned that so-called “laborsaving devices” such as clothes dryers have made our lives more complex. He also believes that tasks such as hanging laundry can be meditative mood-lifters for busy people. More information on his group can be found at www.laundrylist.com and through their newsletter Hanging Out.

May/June 2010

By ILG Staff

Use water wisely this summer and all year round As we head into summer and the prime growing season for food and flowers, here are some reminders on how to conserve water in the landscape. Set priorities in this order 1. Newly planted trees, shrubs and perennials. It is critical to these plantsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; overall health, vigor and long-term survival that they get at least an inch of rain or supplemental water every week or 10 days. Water newly planted stock at least the first year, preferably the first three years. 2. Vegetables need regular watering for the best production. Irregular watering may contribute to blossom end rot in tomatoes and some other vegetables. Make sure to water the soil and not the plants. The most efficient way to water is with a drip irrigation system, soaker hoses or by hand with a bucket or watering can. Large veggies, such as tomatoes and peppers need about a gallon (or one inch) of water every week or 10 days. Smaller plants, such as beans or squash use about half that. 3. Annuals and other plants in containers usually need to be watered every day or every other day. The larger the container, the less you may have to water, depending on the weather. Water the annuals in the ground, too. This can be done every week or 10 days. 4. Established perennials, those in the ground for three years or more, can be kept flowering with a good drink of water every two weeks. Many estab-

Drip irrigation is efficient and easy with the right equipment.

lished perennials, will survive a drought without any supplemental water, but flowers will be greatly reduced. Native plants are particularly well suited to our environmental challenges and can usually withstand dry conditions without supplemental water. 5. Established shrubs or trees, those in the ground for three years or more, can be watered deeply about once every month or two, especially if they are showing signs of stress. Make sure to send established plants into winter with at least one good soaking. 6. Lawns can go five to eight weeks without water, without thinning or death. The length of time varies according to the overall health of the lawn, soil, amount of fertilizer, foot traffic and other factors.

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Other tips: • • • •

Use native and low-water-use plants. Native plants not only withstand Indiana’s environmental conditions, they also serve as a source of food or shelter for native wildlife. Limit turf for practical uses, such as a play area. Use efficient irrigation systems that are well timed or flexible in how the schedules are set. Make sure the system does not irrigate during the rain or wet periods. Make sure soil is healthy by adding organic matter and using natural fertilizers, rather than synthetic ones. Natural or organic fertilizers feed the soil. Synthetic fertilizers do nothing for the soil. Healthy soil teems with microorganisms, earthworms and other beneficial creatures, which promote strong roots and plants. Healthy plants are better able to withstand environmental conditions, such as drought or an infestation of insects or disease. • Mulch to control evaporation of moisture from the soil. Mulch reduces weeds, which rob desirable plants of nutrients. Mulch also moderates soil temperature to keep roots cool or warm, depending on the season.

For more information: • • • • • •

Purdue University’s Floyd County Extension Office: http://bit.ly/aaj8h3 Indiana Native Plant and Wildflower Society www.inpaws.org Illinois Natural History Survey’s Drought Tolerant Plants http://bit. ly/atlDIg Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, www.wildflower.org Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Efficient Landscaping, http:// bit.ly/bBOQqQ Consumer Reports Home & Garden Blog, http://bit.ly/9TxqbK n

May/June 2010

MARKETPLACE

business/service