Super Eco

Photo credit: EDF Innovation Review

Imagine reducing landscaping runoff (and its associated pollution) by 70% or increasing your vineyard's yield by as much as 60% while reducing operating costs by 15%.

That's exactly what the City of Newport Beach, Ca. and The Wine Group did after installing smart-technology irrigation systems. These precision systems measure weather and soil conditions then using wireless technology help companies and farmers to use less water and improve the quality of their landscaping and crops.

This new way of managing irrigation while conserving water is another Environmental Defense Fund Innovation Review compelling technology advances that we're celebrating in the Innovation Review Friday series.

The three companies highlighted in this particular Innovation Review are Hydropoint, PureSense and Acequia. PureSense deals with agriculture and has achieved great results with California growers of grapes, nuts and fruit. Hydropoint and Acequia focus on landscaping, help big name clients like eBay, Wallmart, American Airlines and Hilton Hotels cut back on the as much as 300% overwatering that happens when landscaping irrigation is set merely on a timer.

Speaking of overwatering, did you know that landscaping consumes as much as 58% of urban water supplies? That's a lot of unnecessary water going down the drain (and overwhelming sewer systems).

Founded in 1967, the Environmental Defense Fund has linked science, economics and law to create innovative, equitable and cost-effective solutions to society's most urgent environmental problems. One of its more prominent programs is the Innovation Exchange, which helps businesses, governments and other organizations share information and best practices to reduce everyone's negative impact on the environment.