Episode Details

Water is often our biggest household use, and yet around 60% of that goes to waste and is never put to good use. Dr. Kelly Kopp, a nationally recognized expert in urban water conservation, joins Corinna Bellizzi to discuss the key findings from her recent irrigation waste report and what must be done to solve our seemingly endless water waste. She explores the essential role of plants in creating drought-resilient communities, the use of smart technology to cut down water use, and the importance of doing routine irrigation evaluation. This conversation is indeed an eye-opener on how to save water, one of the most essential yet highly neglected resources of this planet.

About Guest:

Dr. Kelly Kopp is a Professor of Plants, Soils & Climate and Director of the Center for Water Efficient Landscaping at Utah State University. A nationally recognized expert in urban water conservation, turfgrass science, and homeowner irrigation behavior, Dr. Kopp has led the Water Check Program and Utah Growing Water Smart initiatives, which have helped thousands of Utah residents reduce outdoor water use. She is a frequent media voice on sustainable landscaping and drought resilience across the Intermountain West.

Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-kopp-2b57108/

Guest Website: https://greenspacescoalition.org/

Additional Resources Mentioned:

From Air To Aqua: Decentralized Water Solutions For A Thirsty Planet With Brian Sheng: https://caremorebebetter.com/from-air-to-aqua-decentralized-water-solutions-for-a-thirsty-planet-with-brian-sheng

Show Notes: Raw audio

09:49 - Making The Most Out Of Our Landscapes

14:49 - The Amazing Technology Of Smart Irrigation Controllers

17:59 - The Key Role Of Plants In Landscape Design

25:55 - Community Outreach In One Of The Fastest-Growing States

34:06 - Dr. Kopp’s Programs For Thousands Of Households In Utah

42:30 - Achieving Regeneration Through Water Stewardship

47:36 - Role Of Homeowners In Building More Drought-Resilient Communities

53:16 - Importance Of Raising Awareness On Water Conservation

56:35 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words

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