Caring for the land, or Malama ‘Aina, is an important part of the culture here in Maui. Everyone does their part to keep and preserve the environment for generations to come. One way to help care for the land is to gather readily available rainwater and use it around the home. Gathered water is great for watering plants and other non-potable uses. A water catchment system helps reduce your monthly water bill as well as demand for groundwater. You can also reduce waste and erosion. If you’re planning to live off the grid, or in any area without water service, a water catchment system is an essential part of your homestead. Many parts of Maui receive considerable rainfall, so it makes sense to harvest this water for home use. What You Need Catchment is more than just a water tank out … [Read more...] about Understanding the Importance of Water Catchment Systems for Maui Homes
Alternative Energy Creation and Architecture in Maui
One of the most requested features in many new home construction projects is the inclusion of alternative energy. Wind, water, solar and other forms of generating power can be used alone or in combination to provide some or most of a home’s electricity needs. Maui, as well as all of Hawaii, has plenty of renewable power sources, including: Solar Wind Water (ocean energy) Geothermal Biomass Waste to energy Battery storage Over time, renewable energy is an option that can save thousands in energy cost over the lifetime of ownership. These options can be incorporated into new construction or into a remodeling project. Coal, petroleum, and other energy forms are expensive on all of the Islands because they have to be imported. Increasing alternative and … [Read more...] about Alternative Energy Creation and Architecture in Maui
