Tap It Talk

Solar Power: Green Energy Solution or a Waste of Water?

2012-01-05T19:52:29Z

The international push for greater dependence on renewable energy sources sparked significant growth in the number of solar power projects in 2011. In the Southwestern United States, the nation's most arid climate, solar power can reach maximum efficiency potential and is hailed a great solution to reduce carbon emissions and pollution. In Germany, solar power output increased by 60% in 2011. In nations such as India and China, economic and population growth has facilitated the growth of solar energy plans as solar facilities simply add to the grid instead of replacing other energy sources. The largest completed project in New England, a 44 MW proposed project in Peru, and additional large-scale projects in Canada and France made 2011 a great year for solar power.

These recent advances have reintroduced a debate surrounding solar power efficiency that first received media attention about 4 years ago. Solar facilities require massive amounts of water. Facilities that use photovoltaic panels require approximately 16,600 gallons per megawatt annually. Solar facilities that utilize wet-cooling solar thermal tactics use more than 2 million gallons per megawatt annually, and even more water is necessary for cooling in particularly hot regions where evaporation occurs more rapidly. On average, solar parabolic troughs use three times as much water as a coal power plant and nearly twice as much as a nuclear plant per megawatt hour. In a dry, sunny region where solar power is often seen as most logical based on foreseen efficiency, it can prove impractical to expand an industry that needs so much of a scarce resource.

Much of the need for water use on solar arrays does not come from operating the facility, but instead from cleaning the panels. Solar photovoltaic panels can lose up to 3% efficiency due to dust collection, which is a visible problem in the desert. The bigger the plant, the more power lost with the presence of dirt and dust. Dusty cells are washed using tap water hoses often moved and operated from trucks. This must be done at least three times a year to keep the facility at maximum efficiency.

This contentious issue has been largely ignored in reports of new solar projects, especially in arid regions where solar power is of growing popularity. Although solar energy has several environmental benefits, many wonder whether it is wise to develop an industry without recognizing the consequences of increased water scarcity. Experts in Arizona, California, and Nevada have pushed for the development of solar facilities that use less water and a cost-benefit analysis of water use in solar facilities. As water conservation is directly linked to sustainability and what is green, the overuse of water resources to maintain solar facilities questions their feasibility as a green energy solution. We must ponder whether new solar power projects are really benefiting people and the environment as much as they advertise, or whether further advancements to increase water efficiency of solar facilities is necessary, especially before they are developed in water-scarce regions. Solar power has great potential, but must we perfect the technology and its efficiency before rushing into large-scale implementation? The 2011 year of say go to solar would say no.

Photo Credit: "Solar Panels" by spanginator from Flickr used under the Creative Commons Copyright

San Francisco Taps It

2011-09-25T21:11:48Z

Since TapIt first launched with Global Tap in San Francisco last year, the number of hydration stations across the city has gone from a single unit to eight, including two at the San Francisco International Airport. The San Francisco Public Utilities Commission promotes these bottle refilling locations as a healthy alternative to single-use plastic water bottles by providing a way to refill on the go.

The 8 stations are located throughout the city, with an interactive Google map pinpointing their locations. The agency has installed the tap stations to provide everyone with free access to high-quality, great tasting tap water from the Hetch Hetchy Reservoir in Yosemite National Park. The water costs less than half a penny per gallon, is tested over 100,000 times per year, and is held to higher standards and regulations set by than EPA than some bottled water companies.

The agency also highlights the evils of plastic water bottles, including citing how costly they are for the environment and how much they contribute to climate change by creating unnecessary waste. A video located on their website provides many examples of people in SF proudly enjoying their tap water thanks to the Drink Tap Project.

Tap and hydration stations is a trend that is not unique to San Francisco. They have also become quite popular on college campuses across the U.S. and in other cities.

Photo Credit: "Outdoor Water Stations in San Francisco" from the SF Public Utilities Commission and powered by Google.

Just TapIt For Your FREE 'bkr' Glass Water Bottle

2011-07-07T17:29:57Z

We all enjoy a cool glass of tap water when we are thirsty. What if we could have that experience in a bottle?

That's where the 'bkr' (pronounced Beaker) comes in. With these ergonomic glass bottles, carrying a glass bottle is easy with the protection of a stylish protective cover. You won't have to worry so much about the glass breaking in your bag, plus, they look pretty good too. (To everyone in New York City, bkr is at a pop up sale at Henri Bendel this week at 712 5th Ave)

How to WIN a FREE bkr Bottle:

So, from now until July 15th, the 3 biggest refill addicts who update Facebook or Tweet water refills either at a TapIt location (NYC, San Francisco, DC, Salt Lake City, Portland Etc.) or potential TapIt location (Anyplace you refill your bottle) the most will get a FREE bkr bottle in the color of their choice.

How to Record your Refill:

Facebook: Simply mention us using @bkr and @tapit in your update about your refill

Twitter: Simply use Hashtag #TapIt4bkr in your refill update (and mention @tapitwater + @mybkr)

Get to it water drinkers!! Stay Hydrated!

REMEMBER: Please 'Like' TapIt and bkr on Facebook and Twitter to enter.

http://www.facebook.com/TapIt.Community

http://www.facebook.com/mybkr

@TapItwater

@mybkr

Aquaponics in Action

2011-06-30T15:16:49Z

Aquaponics is the cultivation of plants and aquatic animals in a re-circulating environment. A combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, aquaponics pairs fish and plants in one integrated system. Fish waste provides a food source for the growing plants and the plants provide and natural filter for the water the fish live in. This creates a sustainable ecosystem where both plants and fish can thrive. A small aquaponics system utilizing a ten-gallon fish tank can produce up to eight heads of lettuce in just four to six weeks.

One of the fastest growing agricultural industries since the 1990's, aquaponics offers a way to produce food indoors (with utilization of available sunlight). The benefits include relatively simple and sustainable food production, but also an opportunity for students to gain exposure to agriculture and learn the importance of a green lifestyle. It can be used as a learning tool, exciting activity, and interesting hobby. Community-scale systems are frequently implemented in schools and educational facilities. Larger scale aquaponics systems exist around the globe in food production facilities, learning and research centers, and other fishery locations.

Interested in constructing an aquaponics system in your own home? Basic kits for sale and information about assemblage and upkeep are available from Nelson Pade. Those interested in taking a vacation to the beautiful coast of Maine for a July weekend this summer can attend and public aquaponics workshop. Housing is available at this exciting event, which comes complete with an aquaponics kit from Herring Gut Learning Center in Port Clyde, Maine.

Photo Credit: Herring Gut Learning Center

Celebrate Water With Dance on June 25th

2011-06-10T17:24:09Z

On Saturday, June 25th at 5PM local time, thousands of people worldwide will participate in Global Water Dances. Beginning in the Pacific Rim and rolling westward through time zones, each dance will celebrate our most precious resource with local flavor and support of a specific cause or issue surrounding water.

The 24 hour series of dances will blend local water issues with the global struggle to ensure safe drinking water for all. Each dance will be composed of a 4-part series, one part including standard choreography to be incorporated into every dance and other parts open to local interpretation and audience participation. Some dances will also be accompanied by other events such as art installations or boating, while others will use forms of media to raise awareness about access to water and water conservation. Many of the performances will also be either filmed or streamed live over the web to introduce the performances to a larger community. Every dance will also occur in public places around local waterways to further connect communities and bring attention to environmental problems.

By going to the Event Map, viewers can see the many different, specific locations in which dances will be held, what causes each dance will promote, and how to get involved. Some U.S. locations include Boston, Burlington, DC, Detroit, Lexington, New York City, Philadelphia, Tampa, and Seattle. Many other, smaller communities will also host dances such as Darien, Georgia and Belfast, Maine.

There is still time to register your town as a location by visiting Join the Dance and to get involved.

Locate the dance nearest you and join us at 5PM on the 25th for this international, annual event to celebrate water!

Photo Credit: "Solstice River XV" from Global Water Dances

TapIt Launches Water Refill Network in Washington DC!

2011-06-01T04:36:33Z

We are pleased to announce we have launched the TapIt water refill network in Washington DC in partnership with DC Water.

We now have over 60 locations around the District with more being added everyday! TapIt is excited to help DC Water's excellent water management team promote the Districts great tap water.

So when you are visiting the Capitol, the Whitehouse or you live in the District full time, there is always a water refill location near by.

You can download or print the DC location map here. You can also now directly access the DC map by going to http://www.tapitwater.com/dc on your PC or mobile phone to find cafe and restaurant refill locations.

Download the full press release here

3 Excellent Documentaries About Water

2011-05-19T18:44:42Z

As the issues of water privatization, drought, and scarcity of clean drinking water become more highly debated topics in the public sphere, documentary films have also brought light to the subject. Such films have been produced for decades, but more recent, award-winning documentaries show the dangers of wasting water and allowing larger companies to push plastic bottles over the tap.

The 2009 award-winning film, "Tapped" most specifically addresses the issue of bottled water. The film analyzes the dangers of plastic bottle pollution as well as how big companies such as Nestle have privatized water and left communities without sufficient resources. The film's official site also highlights many other water issues and promotes the need for conservation in print and through a compelling blog. You can watch the entire film online on Hulu. For anyone trying to convince a friend or family member to abandon plastic bottles, this is the perfect tool.

Also in 2009, the film "Blue Gold: World Water Wars" examines how water, which appears to many to be an incredibly abundant and inexpensive resource, might someday soon be cause for warfare. The film also specifically looks at the battle between governments and private industry to control water.

Finally, the 2004 film "Thirst" explains why water will become a more precious and coveted resource within the next decade. Since the film is now nearly a decade old, it is quite interesting to see what was predicted correctly about the future of water.

All three of these compelling documentaries offer key points in the debates over bottled water, water resources, and access to safe drinking water. For those who use Netflix, all three films are currently available either on DVD or streaming.

Photo Credit: "You've Seen So Much" by Adam Simpson from flickr used under the creative commons copyright.

Three Water bottles fit for traveling in style

2011-05-16T06:30:27Z

This post was originally seen on My Water Bloggle, a blog dedicated to road testing and reviewing water bottles based on its functionality and the company's dedication to contributing to the environment.

In the era of no-liquids-on-planes, it becomes very frustrating and pricey to travel while meeting our body's hydration needs. In the pressure-controlled tube of an airplane, our bodies dry up really fast, which is why you often will find yourself in dire need of liquids. Soft drinks and alcohol may seem like a good choice as the steward wanders down the isle asking for your drink preference, but those drinks only supplement the sugar contents but not the hydration needs. Water bottles are definitely the way to go when it comes to flying.

This is a picture of my Vapur bottle at the Taipei International Airport's dedicated bottle refill station. As I struggled to put water into a bag as the Vapur flopped around off the edge of the drinking fountain, an airport lady walked up to me and pointed to the machine to my right. It was not even in my thought process that any airport would actually dedicate an entire machine to bottle refilling...not to mention filtered clean water! With that said, here are my top three favorite bottles to travel with:

1. Vapur Anti-bottle. It folds up really nicely in my bag going through security and fits into any nook and cranny on the plane without taking up too much room. However, refilling it at a drinking fountain can be somewhat of a challenge because of the way it flops.

2. ALEX bottle. The bottle "breaks" into two segments and stacks nicely on top of each other like a russian doll. It keeps my bag space free for other things I need to carry on and it holds a good amount of water that'll last me through the flight. Be mindful, and this is VERY important, of the role air pressure plays into everything when you're in the air. Pressure is a lot less up above, even when the cabin is pressurized, which means that water will find its way out of the bottle. More than once I've had water leak out the middle where the two ends connect. This is to no fault of the manufacturer but that it's just how nature works. A simple solution is to loosen the cap to equalize the pressure between inside and outside the bottle.

3. CamelBak Groove bottle. This is the CamelBak bottle with a built-in filter. Especially for those of you that do not like the taste of tap/drinking fountain water, this is perfect for travel because the filter neutralizes the tap water taste easily. I like this one over the Bobble (and I've traveled with the Bobble before) because due to pressure (once again), the Bobble slowly seeps water up the top of the spout, causing drainage problems. With the CamelBak, the straw can easily release pressure from within the bottle with a simple squeeze without you worrying about keeping a bottle open and accidentally spilling it all over your books.

What about your travel experiences? What are some of your favorite ways to stay hydrated in the air or at the airport without buying overpriced water bottles?

Water Pollution a Possible Cause in California Leopard Shark Deaths

2011-05-15T22:57:31Z

A conservation and research group in the San Francisco Bay Area has reported that more than 100 leopard shark carcasses have washed ashore since the beginning of April. Although larger scale die-offs of the sharks are somewhat common, with causes generally linked to natural infections, scientists are concerned that particularly large die-off is related to water pollution.

Although there is little to no threat to human water supply, the executive director of the Pelagic Shark Research Foundation expressed concern that the canals in which the sharks swim has become polluted with bacteria-infested stagnant water due to control of the canal system by tidal gates. Four of the shark carcasses have been taken to labs for additional research. The illness that has caused the large-scales deaths involve an infection contracted through the nose, which later blinds the sharks and leaves them paralyzed and pushed ashore with the tide. Three of the sharks under investigation show signs of infections in the digestive and nervous system.

This alarming find speaks to the importance of keeping waterways clean, even those smaller resources not used for drinking water. The leopard shark is typically a resilient species not often plagued with such diseases. With water pollution or poor waterway control as possible causes, there might be several other species affected in these ecosystems. Such pollution has the potential to greatly alter aquatic landscapes and threaten species.

Photo Credit: "Leopard Shark" by chrisada from flickr used under the creative commons copyright.

The iPhone is the New Prius

2011-05-12T23:40:45Z

By Paul M Davis

Cross-posted from Shareable

Two years ago, my California driver's license expired. Living in Chicago at the time, where the smart resident uses bikes or public transit to avoid traffic, I hadn't found a compelling reason to get behind the wheel of our car in months. With plenty of other pressing tasks on my to-do list, renewing or replacing an expired out-of-state license quickly plummeted to the bottom of my priorities. Two years later, the license is still expired, and I'm happier, healthier and richer for it. There's something liberating about not having to deal with the stress and the hassle associated with driving--check-up and repairs, yearly registration, insurance bills, parking tickets--thousands of dollars a year thrown away to maintain a convenience that felt more like a burden. As gas prices creep towards $5 a gallon, I can't help wonder how many of the folks who are considering switching to a hybrid to save cash and the environment are doing so more out of inertia than need.

The AAA states that the average yearly cost of maintaining a car is $8,500, a lot of money for a possession that, on average, sits idle for 23 hours of the day. For many members of Gen-Y, that sort of cost is untenable, with 15.2% of 20-24 year olds unemployed and many more desperately trying to pay back student loan debt while working low-wage service jobs. So it's not surprising that the younger generation are doing as I did and abandoning the car in favor of an agile, mobile, smartphone-enabled life. In an article for the New Statesman, Andrew Pendleton examines the phenomenon of "peak car" in England, citing a report that showed that between 1992 and 2007, the proportion of 21-29 year olds with drivers licenses dropped from 75% to 66%. Pendelton writes, "young people aren't simply swapping cars for buses or bikes; they are choosing to own and use other technology instead, such as smartphones and tablet computers." A survey of smartphone usage habits by college students in Colorado indicates similar trends stateside. Expect this trend to spread to those of us in our thirties and forties as solutions like ZipCar make it easier to maintain a household without owning a car.

For the price of a regular checkup and a couple months of insurance, you can get a smartphone, a transit card and a decent bike and ditch the headaches and the endless money drain that come with even a hybrid. Granted, I've always been more of a geek than a gearhead, but a pocket computer complements the carless lifestyle splendidly, and makes the switch easier than ever. One of the greatest barriers to going carless has traditionally been the additional planning required, but with a smartphone at the ready, the information required to navigate your route is always available.

Photo by Selva on Flickr

There are other, less tangible benefits to trading the car for a smartphone. Driving is so often a solitary endeavor, as we seal ourselves into a box and ignore the local color and landmarks of our communities as we zoom down the highway. While living in Chicago, I commuted two hours a day to get to the office. Sitting in traffic on the 94 was a soul-sucking experience. It was quicker to take the train, and despite the occasional malodorous seat-mate, a lot more enjoyable. After all, on a long commute, listening to podcasts while playing Angry Birds on the train is a much better diversion than listening to morning shock-jock radio while idling in endless morning traffic.

On a bike or public transit, every trip is an adventure, allowing you to take in your surroundings and get a better sense for your community. Smartphones compliment this communal sense as connective devices, bringing multiple channels of conversation via email, IM chats, social media and calls. On a bike or public transit, a smartphone is a serendipity engine. A last-minute meeting or happy hour meetup may be an impossibility in cross-town traffic; jump on a bike and you're an agile, digitally-connected urban nomad. (Just be sure to get out of the bike lane and stop when you want to check notifications!)

After all, the smartphone is communication device, rush-hour entertainment provider, and navigator. Google Maps replaces a GPS when traveling by bike, train or bus. City-specific public transit apps like the Chicago bus tracker CTA Tracker (iTunes link) take the waiting out of the morning commute--no more standing in the snow waiting for a bus. And for the times you really need a large motorized vehicle--big grocery runs, moving furniture--services like Zipcar or U-Haul are often easier and cheaper than paying for regular upkeep on a car you rarely drive.

Granted, not everyone can ditch the car. A big family isn't going to fit into a ZipCar. In parts of the country that aren't bike-able and lack decent public transit, a car may be a necessity. But for many drivers, it's not actually a necessity--it's a money-sucking burden in the guise of convenience. Thanks to technology, the carless lifestyle is easier than ever. And as we increasingly switch from an ownership to an access economy by choice and necessity, it's the smarter, healthier and more economical choice in the long run.

Celebrate a Sustainable Mother's Day

2011-05-06T19:02:18Z

This Mother's Day does not have to focus only on appreciation for mothers, but also for Mother Earth. There are many ways in which this Mother's Day, May 8th, can become a sustainable celebration, perfect for this Springtime holiday. From basic dinner planning to choosing gifts and flower arrangements, simple tips to keep Mother's Day eco-friendly are sure to impress every environmentally-conscious mom.

For starters, there are several basic ways to conserve while planning Mother's Day festivities. By choosing local foods (farmer's market season is now in full swing!) to prepare a Mother's Day feast, less energy has been used in food production for transportation or preservation. Using compostable foods and materials can also make quite a difference. For larger gatherings, if using disposable flatware, use kinds that are recyclable and sustainable such as the products found at retailers such as Bambooya and Susty Party.

Choosing flower arrangements for mom also comes with sustainable options. Local and organic flowers, such as those purchased from a CSA, are often fresher and therefore have required less water for growth or transport (though there are exceptions based on the plants). Other options for eco-friendly flowers can be found at some resources such as Sustainable Florist. Instead of purchasing a bouquet, potted plants can be re-planted and make a wonderful addition to a home garden.

Other ways to reduce one's environmental impact this Sunday are through Mother's Day gift choices. By handcrafting as opposed to purchasing a present, one will know the origin of materials used and can use local or recycled items to construct a heart-felt momento. Many shops and online retailers are also offering products and sustainable gift ideas. BambEco, Inhabitat, and Olive & Myrtle: Sustainable by Design offer a selection of unique gifts for Mother's Day (with options for speedy delivery) either handcrafted or made from recycled products. Keep in mind, however, that these products have still likely traveled quite a distance and are energy expensive to transport, as with most products ordered online. TreeHugger and Sustainable Motherhood also offer lists of other great gift ideas (some of them do-it-yourself) to make your Mother's Day eco-friendly and complete.

Have a Happy and Sustainable Mother's Day!

Photo Credit: "Fall Bouquet, is Mum the Word?" by Cobalt123 from flickr used under the creative commons copyright.

Product Review: CamelBak Groove

2011-05-03T05:14:26Z

Since the geniuses behind Bobble came out with individualized filters for water bottles, I have definitely observed a trend towards more innovative products that challenges the conventional notion of what a "water bottle" is. I have previously reviewed a CamelBak bottle but I could not resist getting the new Groove (TM) after seeing that it has a built-in filter! Yes! The filter is built into the straw but you don't have to recycle the entire filter (along with the plastic), you just switch out the carbon filter stick inside.

What I love about the bottle:

Like the previous CamelBak bottle that I write about, I love that they really designed these bottles with the active user in mind. The straw and bite valve allows you to drink water on the go without ever tilting your head.
The filter! This is the perfect bottle for bike riding because you can fill up at any water fountain or public water refill places without worrying about getting that public tap water taste when water runs out in the middle of a ride.
The filter (again)! Unlike the other bottle filter from the other brand, this filter does not make it difficult for you to suck water out nor does it make a squeekly sound.
The clear BPA-free plastic bottle gives the water a really pretty shine and the handle on top makes carrying it around really easy.
You can bend down the bite valve and retract the mouth piece when not in use.
Because you don't replace the entire straw after 3 months of filter use and only replace a small carbon tube that fits inside the thicker portion of the straw, you're not wasting more plastic, which makes it more environmentally friendly.

What I don't like about the bottle:

When you retract the mouth piece, it still builds a lot of dust and dirt kicked up from the bike (if you put it in your bottle holster), and the dust settles in the nooks and crannies around the mouth area. This requires constant cleaning and often with Q-tips.
It is only 0.6L, which is a perfect size for SHORT bike rides and perhaps a short shopping trip out. However, for longer rides, you will need to constantly refill because it does not hold a large quantity of water. Once again, evaluate your weight vs. volume trade-off and decide accordingly.

Characteristics about the bottle:

0.6L (20 oz), comes in plastic or stainless steel
Comes in 4 colors for plastic - Cool Blue (pictured), Sea Foam, Blush, and Graphite; comes in 2 colors for stainless steel - Natural and White
All aspects of the bottle are BPA-free
$25 for the clear plastic bottle, $35 for the stainless steel bottle.

Does the company give back to the environment or society?

CamelBak has taken many measures to ensure that they live out their mission - build a more sustainable world. The measures they have taken towards social responsibility is too long to list here but you can take a closer look on their website here.
CamelBak sponsors many environmental initiatives as well as social initiatives that advocates for active individuals. Get more details here.

Where can I get it?

REI (both in-store and online) for $25
Summit Hut for $25
Amazon sells all 6 variations of the bottle for $22.99 (Plastic) and $32.99 (Stainless Steel)

Wofford College Students Bottle Up Earth Day

2011-04-26T17:09:39Z

This Earth Day, April 22nd, students at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina created a visual display to bring attention to the use of water bottles. The bottle Earth was meant to educate students about how much waste is created by using plastic water bottles and was an effort to raise awareness about the benefits of the tap.

Wofford's students used green and blue dye to fill around 1000 water bottles, and then neatly arranged the bottles to show a global display in front of the historic Old Main on the school's campus. The bottles were collected from a recycling area located near the campus dining hall. The bottled globe was put together primarily by students enrolled in one of the college's environmental studies courses and was led by senior environmental studies major Danielle Peoples. The vibrant display brought Earth Day to the attention of many students. A video about the display is located here.

Photo Credit: Alex C. Hicks Jr. and GoUpstate.com

Easy Ways to Conserve Water And Lower Your Bills

2011-04-26T05:33:26Z

For those that live in the Bay Area, we are unfortunately about to pay for our great water conservation efforts. ABC7 news reported that due to water conservation efforts, water usage have decreased so significantly the utilities company has to raise rates in order to meet budget demands. In a way, we must give ourselves a great pat on the back for conserving water so intently we've made a significant difference in water sustainability!

Nonetheless, the average 16% rate hike in your water bill does not mean you must suffer from higher costs. There are several things that we can do to continue conserving water without breaking the bank or changing our lifestyle!

Some water districts have programs that give out free water-saving gadgets like aerators. Check your local water district's website. Aerators are small devices that attach to more modern faucets that maintains water pressure while using less water. According to Envirogadget.com, traditional taps without an aerator flows at around 15 Liters per minute. With an aerator, the volume is cut down to 6 liters per minute. That's a 60% reduction in water!
Place a blue dye tank tablet in your toilet. If your bowl water turns blue without flushing, you know there's a leak in the tank. San Francisco's Public Utilities Commission gives out free flapper and fill valves to fix the leaks.
Spend $10 or so on an inexpensive moisture sensor for your garden. It will let you know exactly when your plants may really need watering and when you are just drowning them from the ground up while running up your bill.
When brushing your teeth, fill a cup with water for rinsing and turn off the tap instead of running the tap or catching water with your hands. It minimizes unused wasted water.
Four words: low flow shower heads. According to Conservation Warehouse International, pre-1994 shower heads installed in your bathrooms has a 20% higher flow rate than more modern shower heads. The Environmental Protection Agency have noted that showering is the highest water-usage activity in residential homes, which is why it is important to moderate your water usage here. Modern Low Flow Shower Heads are inexpensive and very efficient, which allows you to take the same pressurized shower without the high water flow.

What else do you do in your home to help conserve water?

The Art of Water

2011-04-25T12:43:06Z

Across the country, the limitless realm of art includes galleries, schools, and installations that focus on water as nature, beauty, and a resource. Water, sustainability, and conservation have become more popular themes in artistic representation from Maine to California and beyond. For those interested in learning more about how art has contributed to environmental awareness and brought to light many issues surrounding access to clean water, below are just a few of the thousands of examples of representations of water in today's art scene.

In Belfast, Maine, Waterfall Arts features art classes, showings, and exhibits that connect art with the environment and sustainability. The school, gallery and studio spaces promote creative engagement for a sustainable future. This fall, the artist and student mentoring program Branching Out will include a focus on water. Many outdoor art installations also include water themes.

Artist Christine Destrempes of New Hampshire educates about water issues through installations and public participation art projects. Her first project that focuses on water as a resource, "13,699", symbolizes the average number of people who die each day due to lack of access to clean water. The installation uses bottle caps to create a visually stunning design of a flowing cube. Her current exhibition "River of Words Stream of Conscience" that will run through April 30th in Petersborough, New Hampshire includes several thought provoking pieces such as a waterfall made of hand-written letters.

In South Bend, Indiana twelve artistically decorated rain barrels will be on display at the South Bend Museum of Art in beginning April 25th. The rain barrels were painted by approximately 70 special needs preschool children in the surrounding area, and in May the barrels will be auctioned with proceeds going to the Indiana University South Bend Center for a Sustainable Future.

At Lane County Community College in Eugene, Oregon, this year's Annual Peace Symposium is water themes. The "Water for Life, Not for Profit" event includes artist Janet Essley's show "Daughters of the Earth" among other lectures and presentations about water justice.

Rick Stich, the resident artist at the Lux Art Institute in San Diego, California has brought water art into the gallery through boat and pool art installations. Stich, an avid surfer, has sparked the imaginations of visiting students who have begun sketching their own reflections in the pool based on the way in which light reflects off the water. Stich and his work will be at the Institute through mid-May.

Photo Credit: "Eau Water" by Humanoide from flickr used under the creative commons copyright.