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The Greenest Workout in Austin!!!
It seems to get more difficult to get any kind of quality exercise with our busy schedules, but last week I enjoyed a great full body workout in only 30 minutes and in only 1600 square feet!!! Compared to much larger exercise facilities, this place is a fraction of the size and is designed to be efficient in the use of space, resources, power and time. The band resistance equipment is smooth and does not use power except for a C-battery for the L.E.D. readout on only 5 out of 20 pieces. Legend has it that the faster you pedal, the more air conditioning you will have in the gym, but you will have to ask Ronny about that.
Ronny West, franchise owner of 123 Fit in South Austin, says people have commented that the workout is better than any other in a larger gym! The 30 minute circuit combines cardio, strength and resistance training and allows for higher energy expenditure thus burning more calories.
They are located at 4301 West William Cannon in The Shops at Arbor Trails shopping center. The whole center is Green! The Gym and all of the retail spaces were built using high SEER rated HVAC equipment, white exterior lighting and other sustainable features with more than 40 acres of open green space, hiking and biking trails.
Give Ronny a call at 891-8123 to learn more about this Green Fitness adventure!
Choices … GrAy Water. PART 2
Volume 3.1: Choices Series
Recently, I had an opportunity to talk with a gray water expert who gave me some valuable information on the subject. David Venhuizen, P.E. www.venhuizen-ww.com says that we should be cautious and careful of our gray water system if we are not treating the water first.
Our laundry, bathing and lavatory water has pathogens from our bodies as well as hair, lint, dirt and oils. The biggest problem with untreated gray water is when the water collects or pools, creating health hazards due to pathogens and vectors. Even the most conscientious homeowner with the best of intentions can create a problem, mainly due to lack of maintenance and lack of rotating the water to different places on your lawn. We get busy and it can be easy to be complacent of something that does not appear to be a problem. Therefore, gray water systems would best be automated and hands off for the consumer.
The best and most efficient system for a new home according to David would have a gray water treatment tank that would flow into a pressurized subsurface drip irrigation system. You would have an option to turn of the irrigation on rainy days to avoid over watering your landscaping and the gray water would flow to your regular system, either city sewer or a septic system. To have this option, however, your septic system must be sized for the entire flow from your home, not just your black water.
In an existing home, it is possible to retro fit a pier and beam home with an automated full gray water system. For an existing slab on grade home, the best option is to use your laundry water. Again, treating your water is recommended and installing a system that is automated to properly move water to different locations. Some people choose to not treat their laundry water in these applications and even though there would be minimal health or ground water risks, untreated wash water tends to build up a scum over time.
Understanding the potential advantages and risks of using gray water will better help us create a system that will have the best possible results. If one person on your block uses gray water poorly and unhealthily it may not have a big impact. However, in time we may see many people reuse their gray water. The results of improper use could have a big impact in our neighborhoods and community. We, as green leaders in our community, can help set the standards and raise the bar in effectively living Green!!
Look for our featured article in the September edition of The Good Life Magazine – Shelter Department. Pick up one for free all around the Austin area!
Check out our website
Contact Cammi Klier at 512.330.9309
or cklier@cdshomedesign.com
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