Lawns, Water And The Environment

(HIT) - People who want to maintain a beautiful and environmentally friendly landscape and conserve water can now turn to the book, "Water Right: Conserving Our Water, Preserving Our Environment." Published by the International Turf Producers Foundation (ITPF), this 64-page, full-color, soft-cover book isn't a soft-sell for grass, it takes a hard and science based approach that is sure to upset some as it educates others.

The mounting evidence that more people in more places will ultimately face severe water shortages and the available water may be highly contaminated or very expensive, provide the basis and need for understanding the significant benefits of properly designed and maintained landscaping. The book points out, "A vast array of plant, social and environmental scientists have documented that when landscapes are properly designed, installed and maintained, relatively small amounts of water are required to achieve substantial benefits."

The book's preface by Dr. Mark Cathey, former director of the U.S. National Arboretum and president emeritus of the American Horticultural Society, sets the pace for the book, when Dr. Cathey writes, "This volume provides assurance to everyone that the quality of our environment will not be compromised and we can look forward to years of truly green environments."

The next seven chapters provide a scientific overview of this planet's limited water resources and walks the reader through a wide variety of landscape water conserving tips and techniques. The ten case studies written by widely recognized experts in their specific subjects offer first-hand examples of what individual citizens and water-policy decision-makers can do to ensure sufficient water and environmentally sound landscapes.

Originally, ITPF hoped to distribute the book free-of-charge, but after giving away 10,000 copies in just five weeks, the group was forced to start asking for $5.00 per book to help pay for shipping and handling charges. The entire book is also downloadable from the web at www.TurfGrassSod.org. Book orders, accompanied by the appropriate payment, can be mailed to ITPF-Water Right, 2 East Main Street, E. Dundee, IL 60118.