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Author Profiles

Laura Fisher Kaiser

Laura Fisher Kaiser is a contributing editor to Interior Design magazine, a former editor at This Old House Magazine, and co-author of The Official eBay Guide. She recently cut her water bill in half by replacing all the water-guzzling toilets in her home with HETs.

Articles by this author

No Mow Lawn Mix on a lawn

Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives: Turf Grasses

If you want a yard that demands less time, money, and water, consider low-maintenance grasses in lieu of the traditional lawn. Read More

Progress E K
Effort High 1-3 mos (prep and plant)
Investment Low $4-$500 (seed or plant 1,000 s.f.)
Added to Binder
Moss lawn at house

Low-Maintenance Lawn Alternatives: Ground Cover

If you want a yard that demands less time, money, and water, consider ground cover rather than a traditional lawn. Read More

Progress E K
Effort High 1-3 mos (prep and plant)
Investment Low $4-$500 (seed or plant 1,000 s.f.)
Added to Binder
Plastic rain barrel installed at house

Save Water and Money with a Rain Barrel

Using rain barrels to harvest rainwater from your roof is a simple, low-expense solution for conserving water and saving on your water bill. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $35/mo in summer
Investment Low $35-$600 (barrel and parts)
Added to Binder
Front yard using low-water landscaping

10 Tips for Saving Water in the Garden

Pick the right plants for your local growing conditions and you’ll save water, cut down on maintenance, and have a beautiful yard. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $50/yr off water bills
Added to Binder
Rain barrel in front of house

Water-Saving Irrigation Strategies

Simple, low-cost watering systems help you save water and money but still have a great-looking yard. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $70/yr off water bill
Effort Med 1-4 hrs to install drip system
Investment Low $125 for drip system
Added to Binder
house with landscaped front lawn

Develop a Landscape Plan to Fit Your Budget

The success of any landscaping project depends on having a plan and sticking to it. Read More

Progress K
Effort High 1-4 wks for plan
Investment Med $300 - $2,500 for pro plan
Added to Binder
Toilets like this are stylish and eco-friendly

Low-Flow Toilets: How to Choose

Replacing an old water-guzzler with a new low-flow toilet can shave as much as $90 off your annual utility bill and send thousands fewer gallons of water down the drain. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Low $90/yr off water bill
Effort Low 1/2 to 1 day to install
Investment Low $100 to $1,000
Added to Binder
Woman in hat tending garden

10 Tips for Saving Money in the Garden

Smart landscaping strategies can save you money while they add to the curb appeal and value of your home. Read More

Progress $ K
Save Money Low $100/yr in gas savings
Effort Low 1-2 hrs to mow lawn
Investment Low $200 for push-reel mower
Added to Binder
alt tag

Low-Flow Showerheads: How to Choose

Thanks to innovative new technology, today’s super-efficient low-flow showerheads save water, reduce your energy bills, and still feel good to use. Read More

Progress $ E K
Save Money Med $150/yr off water heating
Effort Low 10 mins to 1 hr to install
Investment Low $50 to $200
Added to Binder