Courtesy of Steve Mecca
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As a little boy growing up in Rhode Island, Steve Mecca shadowed his dad on residential energy efficiency projects. Several years and one stint with a waterless urinal later (he was impressed by its water-saving technology), he developed the EcoDisc—a device that reduces the flushing in a regular urinal by 99 percent without having to replace it completely with a new waterless urinal. Little did Mecca know that this simple invention would land himself as a Change Maker in water conservation. Today, he is the founder and president of EcoWise Systems—a company that creates water efficient plumbing products and fixtures for homeowners and businesses.
How did you get into this line of work?
I’ve been a conservationist and environmentalist since I was a young boy. Several years ago, when I was in between jobs, I finally decided to do something that would help the planet, allow me to enjoy my work for the first time in my life, and bring real purpose to my life.
What was your "a-ha" moment?
I don’t recall having one of those. Conservation, sustainability, and all the other green mantras have always been part of who I am. So doing something that was consistent with my inner spirit, my beliefs, and my every day way of living was very natural.
Who is your green hero?
I don’t really have a green hero, but I think I owe many of my environmental values to my father. He was way ahead of the curve in the early 1970s, when he installed one of the first solar hot-water systems in our home in Rhode Island. We also added extra insulation to our home for more energy savings. And being teachers with summers off, both my parents always took my siblings and me on summer vacations that were nature oriented: camping, hiking, fishing, and so on. I think I developed a great appreciation for the earth during these adventures.
What is your ultimate green goal?
For EcoWise Systems to be so successful with water efficiency consulting and sales that it all becomes second nature and so mainstream that we put ourselves out of business.
What is your motivation?
To help save humanity from ourselves. While all other creatures on this planet have remained in balance with nature for millions of years, we are the only species that practices self-destructive behavior through excessive consumption of materials and natural resources. I hope in a small way that I can help with the sustainable use of water.
What is most important to you, ecologically speaking?
I guess I have to say water conservation. Water is the basis for life. Humans will find renewable energy sources as an alternative to fossil fuels. But as far as I know, there is no substitute for the two little hydrogen molecules bonded to the oxygen molecule. We must do everything we can to use this most important natural resource wisely.
What is the most challenging part of your job?
Jumping through hoops to convince potential customers about the financial and environmental merits of reducing water consumption then seeing them remain indifferent and fail to commit to a water efficiency upgrade.
What is the most rewarding?
When a customer really “gets” the merits of upgrading water fixtures after only a short demonstration of high-efficiency fixtures.
Of the people you have worked with, who impresses you most?
Shawn Westhoven, general manager of the Mooring Restaurant in Newport, RI; Mike Cosgrove, plant engineer at the Portsmouth Abbey School in Portsmouth, RI; and Lew Kitts, director of facilities at Jamestown Schools in Jamestown, RI. All were early adopters of a very innovative, water-saving product for urinals and other high-efficiency products sold by EcoWise Systems. Without individuals like these, it would take a long time for new high-efficiency products to become mainstream.
What green thing do you do everyday?
I catch my shower water as it’s warming up and use it to flush the toilet. I recycle everything possible--paper, plastic, metal. I compost all my vegetable and fruit food scraps. I take a short shower (even with my ultra high-efficiency showerhead). I have all my electronics on power strips that I shut off after use.
What do you wish you could do?
Slash the United States annual one trillion dollar defense spending by 90 percent and put the money towards energy and water efficiency improvements in commercial and residential buildings. I’d also like to create one federal plumbing code for the entire United States with strict water efficiency standards.
What is your biggest eco-sin?
I don’t buy as much organic and locally grown food as I would like.
If you could change one thing in the world, what would it be?
Mandate only publicly funded elections to eliminate special interest money from our political system.
What is your best green advice?
One person’s actions can make a difference, so don’t hesitate to do something green because you think it’s meaningless. There is too much talk and not enough action.
The EcoWise website is still under construction. For more information about the company, contact (401) 560-0050.
Change Makers is series of interviews with people famous and obscure who are creating a more sustainable world through their work. Meet more Change Makers here.
More on Water Conservation:
Set Your Green Home Priorities for Water Conservation
How to Conserve Water-
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