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Green Living
Green Clean: The Environmentally Sound Guide to Cleaning Your Home.
Linda Mason Hunter and Mikki Halpin.
648.5 H 917G 2005 MN DR RM
Keep your home clean and healthy with this step-by-step guide to
better cleaning while using nontoxic, eco-friendly products.
Green, Greener, Greenest: A Practical Guide to Making Eco-smart
Choices a Part of Your Life. Lori Bongiorno.
333.72 B641G 2008 MN DR RM
This book contains helpful information about how consumers can green
their lifestyles through simple choices, from energy and water
conservation to grocery shopping.
Green Guide: The Complete Reference for Consuming Wisely. By the
editors of Green Guide Magazine.
304.2 G822A 2008 MN DR RM
This guide is a source of valuable concepts and choices for
Earth-conscious living.
Green Living: The E Magazine Handbook for Living Lightly on the
Earth.
640 G823E 2005 MN DR RM
This is a step-by-step reference for maintaining a healthy home,
going organic and avoiding genetically modified food, and using
personal-care products free of damaging chemicals.
Green Your Home All-in-One for Dummies.
643.7 G827J 2009 MN DR RM
Here is a practical, simple guide of home solutions for reducing
your impact on the planet, with easy-to-follow, budget-friendly
tips.
Green Your Home: The Complete Guide to Making Your New or Existing
Home Environmentally Healthy. Jeanne Roberts.
643 R542G 2008 MN RM
Make your home environmentally healthy and discover ways to make
ecologically aware supply choices. Conserve energy, water and money
at the same time.
A Guide to Green Housekeeping. Christina Strutt.
648.5 ST89G 2008 MN RM
This guide to natural housekeeping is full of helpful advice. For
example, discover how lemons, baking powder, vinegar, and water can
be used as cleaning products.
It’s Easy Being Green: A Handbook for Earth-Friendly Living. Crissy
Trask.
333.72 T69E 2006 MN
Includes tips on adopting greener buying habits, finding
earth-friendly products, shopping for green products online, and
cultivating a sustainable environment.
Living Like Ed: A Guide to the Eco-friendly Life. Ed Begley, Jr.
333.72 B394L 2008 MN DR RM
Filled with sound advice and first-hand experience, this guide
provides a wide array of practical options for anyone who wants to
make life greener.
The Naturally Clean Home. Karyn Siegel-Maier.
648.5 SI15N 2008 MN
Replace harsh chemicals with eco-friendly alternatives and find 150
all-natural recipes for cleaning every area of the home.
True Green @ Work. Kim McKay and Jenny Bonnin.
333.713 M192T 2008 MN RM
Offers positive, practical tips for creating a healthier workplace.
True Green: 100 Everyday Ways You Can Contribute to a Healthier
Planet. Kim Mckay and Jenny Bonnin.
333.72 M192T 2006 MN
This book explores six key areas where small changes can make a big
difference - in the home, in the garden, at work, shopping, travel,
and in the community.
Building & Remodeling
Complete Idiot’s Guide to Green Building and Remodeling. John
Barrows and Lisa Iannucci.
643.7 B279C 2009 MN DR RM
Find information on how to save money with green building and
remodeling, how to create an integrated green system, and how to
choose the most efficient heating and cooling equipment.
Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies. Eric Corey Freed.
720.47 F875G 2008 MN DR RM
Helps you discover how to understand the lifecycle of building
materials, choose the right system for your green building project,
and use green building methods and sustainable systems.
Green from the Ground Up: A Builder’s Guide: Sustainable, Healthy,
and Energy-Efficient Home Construction.
David Johnston and Scott Gibson.
690.837 J642G 2008 MN DR RM
From foundations and framing to insulation and windows, the authors
take complex materials, technologies and methods and render them
easy to understand. Create houses that conserve natural resources
and are energy-efficient and healthful.
Green Remodeling: Your Start Toward an Eco-Friendly Home. John D.
Wagner.
643.7 W125G 2008 MN DR RM
Includes choices for using green, nontoxic building materials and
techniques for remodeling their homes. Topics include reducing home
energy use, selecting nontoxic products, and saving water.
Natural Remodeling for the Not-So-Green House: Bringing Your Home
into Harmony with Nature. Carol Venolia and Kelly Lerner.
643.7 V564N 2006 MN RM
It’s possible – and more environmentally friendly – to go green by
renovating an existing home. This full-color book is packed with
information, photos, case studies and informative graphics.
Your Green Home: A Guide to Planning a Healthy, Environmentally
Friendly New Home. Alex Wilson.
690.8047 W691Y 2006 MN RM
Guides homeowners planning a new home and includes building systems
and designs to optimize energy performance, renewable energy
systems, material selection, water efficiency, landscaping and green
living advice.
Energy – Efficiency, Solar & More
Complete Idiot’s Guide to Solar Power for Your Home. Dan Ramsey and
David Hughes.
697.78 R149C 2007 MN DR RM
Learn the basics of solar power and other renewable energy sources,
and what’s involved with installing various on and off-grid systems.
Easy Guide to Solar Electric, Parts 1 & 2. Adi Pieper.
621.31244 P598E 2007 MN DR RM
Part one of this series introduces basic electrical terms and the
components of a solar system. Part two teaches how to plan, design,
and install a Photovoltaic System.
Got Sun? Go Solar. Rex A. Ewing and Doug Pratt.
697.78 EW55G 2005 MN DR
This is a nontechnical reference with a host of resources and trivia
plus numerous charts, illustrations and anecdotes.
The Homeowner’s Guide to Renewable Energy: Achieving Energy
Independence Through Solar, Wind, Biomass and Hydropower. Daniel D.
Chiras.
644 C445H 2006 MN DR RM
Focusing carefully on specific strategies needed to replace specific
fuels, this book examines practical energy options available to
homeowners.
The Passive Solar House. James Kachadorian.
697.78 K113P 2006 MN RM
Offers proven techniques for building homes that heat and cool
themselves using readily available materials and methods familiar to
all building contractors and many do-it-yourself homeowners.
Real Goods Solar Living Source Book. John Schaeffer.
333.79 R229R 2008 MN RM
This is a new edition of a classic guide on natural building, solar
hot water and energy conservation.
Saving Energy in the Home. Nick White.
644 W584S 2008 MN DR RM
Offers strategies for reducing energy bills and living a more
environmentally aware life.
Solar Power Your Home for Dummies. Rik Degunther.
697.78 D365S 2008 MN DR RM
Discover how to choose and install a solar system, install exterior
solar lighting, create greenhouses or solar rooms, and take
advantage of tax rebates and incentives associated with solar power.
Solar Water Heating: A Comprehensive Guide to Solar Water and Space
Heating Systems. Bob Ramlow and Benjamin Nusz.
697.78 R145S 2006 MN DR RM
Includes information on types of solar collectors, solar water and
space heating systems and pool heating systems, as well as how to
choose the appropriate system.
Other Resources
Living Green Free Guides
Available from Mesa Conservation Office – (480) 644-3306 or by
visiting mesaaz.gov/conservation
Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert: Guide to Growing More Than
200 Low-Water-Use Plants.
Produced by the Arizona Municipal Water Users Association.
Includes color photos of each plant entry and charts that provide
plant characteristics, requirements and features.
Landscape Watering by the Numbers: A Guide for the Arizona Desert.
Produced by Water - Use It Wisely. This publication helps Phoenix
area homeowner’s determine their landscape watering needs. It
includes charts of recommended schedules and guidelines for
efficient water use.
Xeriscape: Landscaping with Style in the Arizona Desert.
Arizona Department of Water Resources. Beautiful photographs enhance
descriptions of Xeriscape principles and landscape design including
soil preparation, selection of plants and sprinkler irrigation.
Living Green Web Links
http://www.mortgageloan.com/environment/
Green/ Energy Efficient Mortgages
Comprehensive consumer guide to energy efficiency and "green
mortgages". Learn how you can borrow extra money to pay for energy
efficient upgrades to your current home or a new or old home that
you plan to buy.
www.mesaaz.gov/sustainability
City of Mesa’s Sustainability Web site includes links to recycling,
water conservation and other programs.
www.amwua.org/landscape_plants_online.html
Landscape Plants for the Arizona Desert Booklet Online.
www.wateruseitwisely.com/arizona
Water – Use It Wisely – Tips for water conservation and landscaping.
http://cals.arizona.edu/maricopa/garden/html/general/hort.htm
University of Arizona’s Cooperative Extension – Master Gardener
Page.
http://www.maricopa.gov/GreenGovernment/BeGreen/Default.aspx
Maricopa County’s green site offers lots of great links.
www.scottsdaleaz.gov/greenbuilding.asp
City of Scottsdale’s Green Building Program includes lots of
informative downloads.
http://www.epa.gov/watersense/
Environmental Protection Agency’s program for labeling water saving
products and services.
http://www.energystar.gov/
Environmental Protection Agency’s program for saving energy.
http://planetgreen.discovery.com
PlanetGreen.com offers solutions and tips for greener living.
www.thegreenguide.com
National Geographic’s online edition of The Green Guide magazine.
www.earthday.net
Earth Day Network promotes environmental action worldwide.
http://sierraclub.typepad.com/greenlife
Sierra Club daily newsletter on how to live green.
www.greenlivingtips.com
Green living tips contributed by environmentalists and alternative
energy specialists.
www.nrdc.org/greenliving
Site sponsored by the Natural Resources Defense Council on green
living.
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GARDEN
General Desert Gardening Guides
All New Square Foot Gardening: Grow More in Less Space! Mel
Bartholomew.
635 B283A 2006 MN DR RM
Learn how to conserve space and resources with this practical
approach to vegetable gardening.
American Horticultural Society Southwest: Smart Garden Regional
Guide. Rita Pelczar and Pat Welsh.
635.0978 P362A 2004 MN DR RM
This book provides a coding system assigned to each plant using
hardiness and heat zones, sun/shade, water needs, and plant size to
help determine the perfect plants for any site.
Arizona Gardener’s Guide. Mary Irish.
635.909791 IR46A 2003 MN DR RM
Mary Irish, valley resident and former director of Public
Horticulture at the Desert Botanical Garden, describes 185 plants
that are proven performers for the desert.
Basic Composting: All the Skills and Tools You Need to Get Started.
Erich Ebeling.
631.875 B292E 2003 MN DR RM
This illustrated guide contains everything the beginner needs to
know about creating useable compost - described in step-by-step
detail.
Citrus: Complete Guide to Selecting & Growing More Than 100
Varieties for California, Arizona, Texas, the Gulf Coast and
Florida. Lance Walheim.
634.304 W149C 1996 MN RM
Everything you need to know about growing healthy citrus in Arizona.
The Complete Compost Gardening Guide. Barbara Pleasant and Deborah
L. Martin.
631.875 P71C 2008 MN DR RM
Introduces underground composting, safety tips, tool recommendations
and guidelines for compostable materials.
Desert Gardening for Beginners: How to Grow Vegetables, Flowers and
Herbs in an Arid Climate.
Cathy Cromell, Linda A. Guy, and Lucy K. Bradley.
635.9525 C88D 1999 MN RM
Includes “three planting calendars” that indicate the best months to
plant vegetables, flowers and herbs. Includes soil preparation,
composting and effective watering.
Desert Gardening: Fruits & Vegetables: The Complete Guide. George
Brookbank.
635.0979 B79D 1997 MN DR RM
The author has distilled nearly twenty years’ experience as an
extension agent in horticulture at the University of Arizona into
this book for growing fruits and vegetables in the low deserts of
Arizona.
Earth-Friendly Desert Gardening: Growing in Harmony with Nature
Saves Time, Money, and Resources.
Cathy Cromell, Jo Miller, and Lucy K. Bradley.
635.9525 C88E 2003 MN DR RM
Geared to the unique growing conditions of the Sonoran Desert, this
book emphasizes conserving water and other natural resources to
create low-maintenance landscapes that minimize pesticides and
attract wildlife.
The Garden Guy: A Seasonal Guide to Organic Gardening in the Desert
Southwest. David Owens.
635.0979 OW27G 2002 MN DR RM
This guide is broken down by months, in an easy-to-read format of
“what to do and when to do it” instructions for desert gardeners.
Gardening in the Desert: A Guide to Plant Selection and Care. Mary
Irish.
635.952 IR4G 2000 MN DR RM
In this entertaining book, Mary Irish shares information and
anecdotes for any gardener new to the desert. Also includes plant
descriptions.
The Green Gardener’s Guide: Simple, Significant Actions to Protect &
Preserve Our Planet. Joe Lamp’l.
635.0484 L198G 2007 MN RM
This book offers tips that will save water, conserve resources, and
promote healthy and safe plant growth.
Month By Month Gardening in the Deserts of Arizona. Mary Irish.
635.9525 IR46G 2007 MN DR RM
Mary Irish has organized a monthly calendar that tells you what to
plant, prune and fertilize. It covers annuals, bulbs, cacti, fruits,
grasses, herbs, perennials, roses, shrubs, succulents, trees and
vegetables.
Landscape & Xeriscape Guides
Desert Landscaping for Beginners: Tips and Techniques for Success in
an Arid Climate. Arizona Master Gardeners.
635.9525 D457L 2001 MN DR RM.
Written by low desert Master Gardeners to cover the gamut in desert
landscape care and maintenance – plant selection, planting, pruning,
and watering as well as specific care of roses, citrus and lawns.
Desert Landscaping: How to Start and Maintain a Healthy Landscape in
the Southwest. George Brookbank.
635.952 B79D 1992 MN RM
Learn about arid-land plants as well as citrus, lawns, and palms.
Find out how to install a drip irrigation system, avoid frost
damage, poolscaping, and more.
The Hot Garden: Landscape Design for the Desert Southwest. Scott
Calhoun.
635.9525 C128H 2009 MN DR RM
This Tucson author uses full-color photographs to showcase
beautiful, water-wise landscape designs for extreme Arizona
climates.
Sunset Western Landscaping Book.
712.6 SU74W 2006 DR RM
A comprehensive pictorial guide that includes landscape structures –
pools, decks, and patios – as well as plants.
Plant Identification & Themes
Agaves, Yuccas, and Related Plants: A Gardener’s Guide. Mary and
Gary Irish
635.9525 IR4A 2000 MN DR RM
This local author provides descriptions, care and maintenance of
agaves and yuccas with over 100 color photographs.
The Arizona Low Desert Flower Garden: A Seasonal Guide to Bloom,
Height, Color, and Texture. Kirti Mathura.
635.9525 M426A 2007 MN DR RM
This horticulturist from the Desert Botanical Garden has written an
easy-to-use guide that makes it a snap to compare height, color and
growing season of hundreds of low desert plants.
Cacti and Succulents. Gideon F. Smith.
635.93356 SM57C 2006 MN DR RM
Complete descriptions, including color photographs, will help
readers identify plants. Detailed care instructions will help make
sure that plants thrive.
Desert Hummingbird Gardens. Sylvia Yoder.
598.764 Y73D 1999 MN DR RM
A great small book from a local author describes over 40 trees,
shrubs and plants that will attract desert hummingbirds – including
bloom charts to help the gardener select plants for continuous bloom
and color variation.
Landscape Plants for Dry Regions. Warren D. Jones and Charles
Sacamano.
635.9525 J728L 2000 MN DR RM
Tucson authors feature more than 600 landscape plants, A – Z, with
color photos. Plant charts detail cold hardiness, landscape value,
cultural requirements, propagation and maintenance.
Low-water Flower Gardener. Eric A. Johnson and Scott Millard.
635.952 J631L 1993 MN
This book focuses specifically on flowering perennials for arid
western states with basic growing information and a plant-by-plant
guide with color photos. Emphasizes low-maintenance and year-round
color.
Native Plants for Southwestern Landscapes. Judy Mielke.
635.952 M585N 1993 MN DR RM
This local author and expert southwest gardener offers descriptions
and gorgeous color photographs of over 300 plants native to the
southwestern deserts. Includes detailed information on natural
habitat, growing requirements, and landscape uses.
Perennials for the Southwest: Plants That Flourish in Arid Gardens.
Mary Irish.
635.9320979 IR46P 2006 MN DR RM
Yet another useful guide from a local author for gardeners who want
to create lush, colorful gardens while keeping artificial irrigation
to a minimum. Provides practical information on how to design
dry-climate gardens and features 156 proven plants.
Plantfinder’s Guide to Cacti & Other Succulents. Keith Grantham and
Paul Klaassen.
635.93356 G767P 1999 MN DR
This detailed guide to cacti and succulents provides extensive
descriptions and growing information accompanied by color
photographs.
Plants for Dry Climates: How to Select, Grow and Enjoy. Mary Rose
Duffield and Warren D. Jones.
635.9525 D873P 2001 MN DR RM
Descriptions of hundreds of moderate to low-water garden plants with
color photos and growing information, design uses, and specific
details for growing and maintenance needs.
Sunset Western Garden Book: 8th Edition.
635.0978 SU74B 2007 MN DR RM
The 8th edition of a classic guide. More than 8,000 plant listings
keyed to 24 Western climate zones, climate maps, color photos,
illustrations and 30 plant selection guides.
Trees and Shrubs for the Southwest: Woody Plants for Arid Gardens.
Mary Irish.
635.977 IR46T 2008 MN DR RM
This Arizona author profiles more than 200 climate appropriate trees
and shrubs, along with expert information on planting, staking,
pruning and care. Information on combating common pests and diseases
has also been included.
Plant Care & Watering
Design for Water: Rainwater Harvesting, Stormwater Catchment, and
Alternate Water Reuse. Heather Kinkade-Levario.
631.7 K62D 2007 MN
Outlines the process of water collection and details the assembly
and application of equipment. Includes passive and active system
setup, storage, storm water reuse, distribution, purification,
analysis and filtration.
Drip Irrigation for Every Landscape and All Climates: Helping Your
Garden Flourish, While Conserving Water.
Robert Kourik.
631.587 K849D 1992 MN DR RM
An illustrated, step-by-step guide with instructions that lead you
through the processes of pruning, establishing and watering desert
plants.
Garden Watering Systems. Susan Lang.
635.0487 1999 MN RM
Specifics on watering systems – types, pipe sizes, output rates and
installation.
Pruning, Planting & Care. Eric A. Johnson.
635.9525 J631P 1997 MN DR RM
Illustrated step-by-step instructions lead you through the processes
of pruning, establishing and watering desert plants.
Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and Beyond: Guiding Principles to
Welcome Rain into Your Life and Landscape.
Brad Lancaster.
628.14 L221R 2006 MN DR RM
Learn how to conceptualize, design and implement sustainable
water-harvesting systems for your home, landscape and community.
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