The Commons Brooklyn

We have already reached peak oil and we are approaching peak water. Now is the time to find out how to reuse greywater—the waste water from your washing machine, shower and bathroom sink—to make your flowers bloom. Greywater systems for reusing water in the landscape or in your home can save water and money and provide superior treatment. In this workshop I will outline the various greywater systems and other conservation strategies you can use to cut your water bill and save our lakes, streams and oceans. We’ll cover:
·  Benefits of greywater systems
·  Getting clear on objectives
·  Regulatory considerations
·  Site characteristics
·  Choosing a greywater system
·  Understanding what plants work best for greywater
·  Greywater dos and don’ts
·  Water conservation and efficiency
It just so happens that much of what we’ll be discussing is illegal under current NY plumbing codes. But codes be damned! This workshop will show you how to be a discreet and responsible greywater outlaw or how to be a more informed and responsible person.

Tyler W.D. Caruso is a student at Pratt’s Graduate Center for Planning and the Environment