Go Green with Rainwater Recovery

Traditionally, rainwater was collected, or harvested, in large below ground tanks, or cisterns. These tanks have a reputation for being difficult to store and maintain as well as not realistic in residential applications. Today, however, many companies are developing a wider variety of options, including tanks sized for residential homes. A few companies have even developed harvesting tanks appropriate for vacation and part-time homes. Many of these options include smaller sized tanks that can be easily placed under decks or joists, alongside walkways or vertically against a wall. These features, coupled with the lack of space in many urban settings, make these modern rainwater harvesting tanks very appealing to earth-conscience homeowners. By contrast, rainwater harvesting tanks are also a good option for homeowners in rural settings where obtaining a supply of water from municipal sources is difficult.There are a number of advantages to rainwater harvesting, including conservation of resources and utilities and reduction of flooding and erosion. It also provides a healthy alternative to chemical treated water for plants and vegetation. The water quality is typically classified as between groundwater and surface water, making it useful in a number of applications. Generally, collected (or harvested) rainwater is suitable for all non-potable uses such as watering the lawn, washing the car, running a power washer, air conditioner make-up water, and even cold water toilet flushing and clothes washing. A rainwater harvesting can be simple or complex depending upon the intended use for the product. In a simple harvesting system, the collected water is used immediately. At its most basic level, routing the gutter downspouts to a specific landscaping area can be considered a form of rainwater harvesting. On a more complex level, however, systems can incorporate elements of roof catchment, gutter and downspout routing, tank storage and irrigation or distribution systems. The more complex systems often require professional assistance and sometimes a permit depending upon local ordinances. It is best to contact your local green building industry expert.An example of a modern rainwater harvesting is the Rainwater H2OG, which is available in two distinct designs. The company offers a potable water tank made from virgin food-grade polyethylene and a non-food-grade tank made with 15% recycled content. Both styles of tank hold approximately 50 gallons of water and even offer potable water options (with the food-grade tank and after proper filtration). This particular tank has been recognized by Environmental Building News as one of the Top-10 Green Building Products in 2008, a reward largely based upon the tank's functional, efficient and visually discreet characteristics. The Rainwater H2OG also represents the move towards accommodation of harvesting systems to residential applications.In the long run, the overall return on investment for rainwater retention systems is very positive. From both a financial and environmental stewardship perspective, going "green" through rainwater retention is a first-class initiative for homeowners.

How To Care for your skin if you have Psoriasis

As far as caring for one's skin against psoriasis is concerned, there is no magic formula. By carefully taking a look at the ingredients listed on the label of skin care products, someone with psoriasis can make better choices. To keep the symptoms of psoriasis under control, several factors should be considered. First, when choosing a cleanser, those with psoriasis need to look for a product that gently removes dirt and makeup without leaving an oily feel. It ought to be able to remove some of the oil from the skin without any kind of harsh chemicals. It should also be free of perfumes, alcohol, or other ingredients that dry the skin. These only exasperate scaling. Most skin care regimens have an exfoliating product. For psoriasis patients, most of these products are too harsh and irritating to their inflamed skin. Two ingredients that might work well to exfoliate the skin of people with psoriasis are oatmeal and Epsom salts. These are both gentle enough not to cause a worsening of the condition but strong enough to lightly remove flaking skin. All sufferers of psoriasis should follow their cleansing routine with an excellent moisturizer. A good moisturizer will help psoriasis sufferers keep their skin supple and soft. It will lubricate the dry patches, lessening the chance of cracks or sores developing. Natural emollients such as cocoa butter, mineral or plant oil, and petrolatum work well in products used as moisturizers. In a good moisturizer for psoriasis, these ingredients should be combined with the perfect balance of agents that attract and hold water against the skin. The moisturizer should not contain alcohol or perfumes as these tend to dry the skin of psoriasis victims. Thick creams usually work best to keep moisture against the skin. Although sunlight is sometimes helpful to those with psoriasis, too much sun can be drying. Sunburn is especially hard on skin damaged by psoriasis. Sometimes a moisturizer will include a sunscreen to protect tender skin. If a moisturizer is chosen that does not have an added sunscreen, people with psoriasis need to add a good sunscreen to their skincare regimen. This product ought to also be gentle, non-drying, and even perfume free. All those products in a skin care regimen of those with psoriasis may not improve the condition, but they should certainly not add to the problems. If, after going through the labels and trying the most likely products, a psoriasis skin care regimen is not working, it is best to consult a dermatologist.