We may not be addressing compost use directly right now, but Sustainable Landscaping involves incorporating recycled natural resources into your normal landscaping routine to improve the environment. With all this rain falling down around us, it seems a shame not to mention a way to harvest it for use later. Hey, you can always use the rainwater to irrigate your lawn, freshly top dressed with Harvest Blend Compost.
Did you know that the use of rainwater collection can be traced as far back as ancient times, some 3,000 years ago? That’s 850 BC! And since that time the rain barrel has changed very little. Sure, the container may not have been made of food-grade plastic with anti algae properties, but they collected rainwater just as well.
What exactly is a rain barrel?
A rain barrel is a water tank - used to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops by way of our trusty rain gutters. These rain barrels are great for harvesting rain water to be used for landscaping and gardening purposes rather than as a potable water substitute. These containers, often recycled from food storage and transport barrels or, in some cases, whiskey and wine aging barrels, are usually very affordable. There are also many low cost designs that use locally available materials. Some communities are helping out by offering either free or low cost rain barrels to local residents.
Can I drink the harvested water?
While most are properly made to screen out mosquitoes and other large pests, the lack of proper filtering or closed loop systems might be a breeding ground for bacteria and larvae. You’re safest using this “Re-Water” outside your home.
There are many benefits of using a rain barrel;
· Reduce storm water runoff
· Water conservation through water reuse
· Water reuse
· Low investment for years of water collection
What can I do with harvested rainwater?
Well, you’ll be able to:
· Water lawns, gardens, flowerbeds
· Wash cars, lawn furniture and exterior windows
· Recharge water features
· Conserve water, and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Rain barrels can help conserve water by capturing a portion of the storm water that would otherwise not be infiltrated into the ground before leaving your property. The storage and reuse also allows for reduced groundwater consumption. How much will a rain barrel collect?
The formula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 100 SQ. FT. roof yields 62.3 gallons of water. To calculate the yield of your roof multiply the square footage of your roof by 62.3 and divide by 100.
Why Care?
Storm water is a leading cause for pollutants entering our local streams, watersheds. Storm water also leads to increased erosion of stream banks and flash flooding.
And finally…
As long as water is not a problem, people don’t really seem to care where it comes from or even how it gets in the house, just as long as it is there and useful. This way of thinking is pretty short sighted. Why not learn from the past – use our natural resources as our ancestors did - to make a better and brighter future. Naturally!
Did you know that the use of rainwater collection can be traced as far back as ancient times, some 3,000 years ago? That’s 850 BC! And since that time the rain barrel has changed very little. Sure, the container may not have been made of food-grade plastic with anti algae properties, but they collected rainwater just as well.
What exactly is a rain barrel?
A rain barrel is a water tank - used to collect and store rain water runoff, typically from rooftops by way of our trusty rain gutters. These rain barrels are great for harvesting rain water to be used for landscaping and gardening purposes rather than as a potable water substitute. These containers, often recycled from food storage and transport barrels or, in some cases, whiskey and wine aging barrels, are usually very affordable. There are also many low cost designs that use locally available materials. Some communities are helping out by offering either free or low cost rain barrels to local residents.
Can I drink the harvested water?
While most are properly made to screen out mosquitoes and other large pests, the lack of proper filtering or closed loop systems might be a breeding ground for bacteria and larvae. You’re safest using this “Re-Water” outside your home.
There are many benefits of using a rain barrel;
· Reduce storm water runoff
· Water conservation through water reuse
· Water reuse
· Low investment for years of water collection
What can I do with harvested rainwater?
Well, you’ll be able to:
· Water lawns, gardens, flowerbeds
· Wash cars, lawn furniture and exterior windows
· Recharge water features
· Conserve water, and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Rain barrels can help conserve water by capturing a portion of the storm water that would otherwise not be infiltrated into the ground before leaving your property. The storage and reuse also allows for reduced groundwater consumption. How much will a rain barrel collect?
The formula to remember: 1 inch of rain on a 100 SQ. FT. roof yields 62.3 gallons of water. To calculate the yield of your roof multiply the square footage of your roof by 62.3 and divide by 100.
Why Care?
Storm water is a leading cause for pollutants entering our local streams, watersheds. Storm water also leads to increased erosion of stream banks and flash flooding.
And finally…
As long as water is not a problem, people don’t really seem to care where it comes from or even how it gets in the house, just as long as it is there and useful. This way of thinking is pretty short sighted. Why not learn from the past – use our natural resources as our ancestors did - to make a better and brighter future. Naturally!
Remember to visit us @ http://www.gotcompost.com/ for environmentally responsible soil solutions
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