Sustainable Plumbing

How Texas Can Help End America’s Trash Imports

Believe it or not, U.S. companies are spending money to import garbage. American firms have paid to bring in loads of waste – plastic bottles, aluminum cans and other recyclables – from countries like China and Mexico. They do this not for human trash, but to meet domestic demand for recycled content. Texas A&M researchers call this a “paradox of inefficiency.” With inadequate recycling and processing here, manufacturers still must get recycled plastics and metals from abroad, even while millions of tons of trash accumulate in our own state. The Mosbacher Institute at Texas A&M has proposed a solution: dramatically boost Texas’s recycling programs so that “people directly engage” in waste reduction. In other words, stop treating trash as a foreign resource and start processing it at home....

Garbage Disposal , Eco-friendly Technologies , Texas Homeowners , Sustainable Plumbing

Texas’ Drought Dilemma: Recycling Sewage into Tap Water

Texas has long been at the mercy of droughts, explosive population growth, and dwindling rivers. State planners warn that without new sources, supply may fall 18% short of demand by 2070. Under a “drought of record,” Texas could lack as much as 4.7 million acre-feet (MAF) per year by 2030 – roughly 20% of projected need – rising to 6.9 MAF by 2070 if no action is taken. Cities are already feeling the pinch: West Texas and Panhandle reservoirs sit near 25% capacity, and places like Corpus Christi and Brownsville have imposed restrictions on outdoor watering and construction to stretch supplies. Rapid urban growth – Texas’ municipal demand is expected to grow 63% by 2070 – only deepens the crisis. In short, climate change and soaring demand are straining Texas’ traditional water sources (groundwater and the Rio Grande), prompting engineers to turn to bold solutions. One solution is wastewater recycling, also known as potable reuse: treating sewage so thoroughly that it meets drinking-water standards....

Texas Homeowners , Eco-friendly Technologies , Smart Plumbing Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing

Designing and Maintaining Your Outdoor Kitchen in Texas

Outdoor kitchens have become a centerpiece of Texas home life, combining the state’s love of barbecue with year-round alfresco living. In the Lone Star State’s warm climate, cooking and dining outside is a smart strategy to keep indoor heat and cooking odors at bay – as one designer notes, it lets homeowners “enjoy the pleasant Texas weather while preparing meals,” which keeps the main house cooler. A well-planned outdoor kitchen not only extends living space and boosts curb appeal, but also adds home value. In this guide, a kitchen and outdoor living expert walks Texas homeowners through practical tips for planning, designing, and caring for a weather-ready outdoor kitchen that suits the region’s climate, local lifestyles, and diverse architectural styles....

Kitchen Appliances , Home Maintenance , Texas Homeowners , Eco-friendly Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing

Smart & Stylish Bathrooms: Decluttering, Organizing, and Optimizing for Texas Living

A neat, well-designed bathroom can feel like your personal spa – even in a tiny Dallas apartment or a humid Houston home. Whether you own or rent, the same principles apply: declutter first, maximize storage, and use smart design to create a calm, efficient space. In Texas, unique factors like Gulf Coast humidity, urban space constraints, and water scarcity in the west mean we tailor our strategies. This article, written from the perspective of a bathroom organization and home improvement expert, will guide you through practical steps and stylish ideas to transform your bathroom for Texas living.

We’ll cover tips on decluttering routines, creative storage solutions, modern eco-friendly materials, and water-saving upgrades – all grounded in Texas realities. Expect insights on everything from combating mold in Houston’s steamy climate to squeezing storage into a compact Austin or Dallas bathroom. Throughout, we keep the tone friendly and helpful, with actionable advice and real examples. Let’s dive in!...

Home Maintenance , Plumbing Tips , Texas Homeowners , Smart Plumbing Technologies , Sustainable Plumbing