Greener
The drought has turned California brown. Nothing a paint job can’t fix.
Earlier this year, businessman Bill Schaffer made a prediction: “This drought’s gonna be so bad, people are going to have to paint their lawns green.” Even before California ordered cities to cut back on their water usage, Schaffer hired a few workers, bought an ethanol-powered van, and launched a lawn-painting business in Solano County. Using a high-pressure hose attached to a 50-gallon tank, his crew sprays thirsty yards with a proprietary mixture of oil, water, and an organic green pigment. “It’s a pain if you spill it,” he says, “but better in our van or on our clothes than on the driveway.” So far, Schaffer’s team has colored more than 12 acres of grass throughout the state. For around 30 cents per square foot, the service helps keep up appearances — at least until the grass grows out.