In 1998, a man illegally cut holes in a Tucson street curb. The result changed the law.
In 1998, Brad Lancaster took a bold step to address Tucson's water scarcity by illegally cutting holes in his street curb to channel rainwater into his neighborhood. This unorthodox action, initially kept under wraps, eventually led to a remarkable transformation of his surroundings into a lush, thriving ecosystem. Lancaster's initiative not only demonstrated the potential of rainwater harvesting but also prompted a legal and cultural shift in Tucson's approach to water management. The city now actively supports these practices through a dedicated department and incentives for homeowners, reflecting the profound impact of Lancaster's grassroots innovation.
The story of Lancaster's curb-cutting highlights the power of individual action in the face of environmental challenges. His efforts have turned a simple rainwater diversion into a model of urban sustainability, demonstrating how ancient water conservation techniques can be revitalized for modern use. This initiative has not only improved local biodiversity and sustainability but has also reshaped municipal policies, underscoring the potential for community-driven solutions to inspire systemic change.
Constructive analysis
The constructive-journalism lens: not just what happened, but what works.
- The problem
- Tucson's laws impeded the efficient use of rainwater in a desert city with scarce water resources.
- The actions
- Brad Lancaster illegally cut curbs to divert rainwater, demonstrating the potential for rainwater harvesting; the city later institutionalized these practices.
- Evidence of progress
- Tucson now has a department dedicated to rainwater harvesting, offers rebates for homeowners, and requires new developments to incorporate these practices.
- What we can learn
- Innovative grassroots actions can lead to systemic change; cities can benefit from revisiting and modernizing ancient sustainable practices.
PERMA profile of this story
How this story scores across the PERMA dimensions.
- Positive Emotion
- 8
- Engagement
- 9
- Relationships
- 7
- Meaning
- 9
- Accomplishment
- 10
Character strengths in play
Top VIA strengths this story embodies.
Courage
Brad Lancaster sawed through the curb in front of his house in six places, creating channels to divert rainwater into the space between the street and the sidewalk.
Perseverance
Lancaster's guerilla action helped change city policy, leading to the creation of the Storm to Shade program.
Curiosity
Lancaster shared with permaculture expert Andrew Millison how channeling rainwater wisely creates a thriving landscape.
Try this today
Consider a small change you can make in your environment to improve sustainability. Document your observations and share them with your community, as Lancaster did, to inspire broader change.