Your Villa - Riverside - Aug - Oct 2021

L O C A L R E A L E S T A T E How do we, as a community create a more sustainable lifestyle to help the earth’s biosphere? Webster’s gives the definition of Sustainable as follows: “Of, relating to, or being a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” As we experience one of the hottest summers on record for many regions throughout the country, many of us are looking to help mother earth slow down the global warming trend we are seeing. Currently, throughout our state lakes and reservoirs which usually provide our water have dropped to record lows. California is experiencing severe drought conditions which mean that water conserving efforts will most likely become mandatory in the near future. With possible water restrictions coming soon, it might be a good time to start learning more about drought tolerant plants that thrive in our natural Mediterranean climate. If you’re interested in doing this, we recommend that you check out the UCR Botanic Gardens’ YouTube channel. They have a series of informational videos that will introduce you to plants that love our climate. The UCR Botanic Gardens are a great resource right here in our community. They have over 35,000 plant species from all over the world spread throughout their 40 acre botanical gardens. Creating your own native gardens can be a beautiful alternative to grass lawns with the added bonus of flowering plants that attract butterflies and birds. Our hope is that the word “sustainable” does not lose its meaning and become just another marketing buzzword. As citizens of the world, we should be thinking about how our actions affect the world around us. We are fortunate in the City of Riverside that being sustainable is a high priority and that they offer resources to help us make changes in our homes and landscaping making them more sustainable. They even have a a website called Blue Riverside, that has ideas, rebates, and information to help residents stay water wise. Check it out at https://riversideca. gov/utilities/blueriverside/ landscape-resources/default.asp There is also a great site for finding water wise plants at https://www. ie.watersavingplants.com/ Both of these sites will help you to find great ways to lower your water bill, and have a more sustainable yard. Sustainability in Riverside Coldwell Banker Realty | Charlotte, Bob, & Connie www.ransommckenzieteam.com Written by: The Ransom-McKenzie Team 16 | YourVilla Magazine S I NCE 1 9 6 1 M A R D O N J E W E L E R S . C O M WE BUY AND SELL GOLD FINE ESTATE JEWELRY AND ANTIQUE JEWELRY CUSTOM JEWELRY, EXPERT REPAIRS, FINE GEMS CERTIFIED GEMOLOGIST APPRAISER 5225 Canyon Crest Dr., #14 Riverside, CA 92507 Call or Text: (951) 682-2325