10 Years of NATiVE

by Lloyd Lee In March 2007, Nick Ryza and I were sitting in a pub in Dublin, Ireland talking about what we wanted to do with the next chapter of our professional lives. We were there on a…

Read More


Earth Day is Everyday

Earth Day is April 22nd. It is a day to not only celebrate mother nature, it is a day of action that changes human behavior and provokes policy changes. At NATiVE, Earth Day is Everyday.…

Read More


Water Conservation

NATiVE Rainwater Collection & Water Conservation There are two fundamental resources that we use in our homes: energy and water. We understand that installing a low-flow faucet saves…

Read More


Rainwater Ranch: Self-Sufficient Living

Nestled on 100 acres in Texas Hill Country, this artist’s compound is a colorful gem of self-sufficient living and connection with nature. It is an energy efficient and creative nod to…

Read More


Building a Net Zero House…Part Two

“It is amazing to see the lot without the house, quite weird, really. Are we brave or crazy? People are asking. We say brave.” – Liz We say brave too. Not everyone would decide to…

Read More


Rainwater Collection…Every Drop Counts

old Texas rainwater cistern When you live in a sun-scorched state like Texas, every drop of water counts. Luckily, we have had a few rain showers recently to soak the ground before the…

Read More


Elements of a Net Zero Home in Texas

As we cross Labor Day weekend off our calendars, we now turn our attention to what the fall season brings. At NATiVE, we see September as the right time to join in the back-to-school…

Read More


Go Solar to Save…Water?

We’re here. The dog days of summer. The mercury seems to enjoy sitting at 100 degrees! Actually, we’ve had a relatively cool summer and it hasn’t been nearly as brutal as summers in the…

Read More


Rainwater: The Healthiest Choice for Your Family

With concerns over the quality of municipal water supplies rising and a greater understanding of the ecological costs of depleting natural ground and surface water sources, rainwater…

Read More


Water: Your Home’s Worst Enemy

Water. This simple molecule composed of two hydrogen atoms affixed atop a single oxygen atom forms the very basis of life as we know it. In fact, all known life forms depend on it.…

Read More