water conservation
No, It's a Rainbarrel Silly!
11/14/09
I bought a new rain barrel at Whole Foods today. It is made by Epoch Solutions, LLC. They use reclaimed food quality barrels that are headed for the landfills and convert them to rainbarrels. It has two connections on either side for setting up a series of rainbarrels, and a spout at the bottom.
Interestingly enough, most of the staff at whole foods had no clue what our barrel was for! So much for product information and training. About a half dozen staffers told us not to party too hard as we were carting our barrel out of the store. Obviously, they associated the barrel with a keg. In actuality, it is a terracota colored barrel that was used to transport olives. Now, I could definitely party with some good olives.....
This is my second rainbarrel. I have had the other one for about two years now. It was purchased from Gardener's Supply via the internet. This one has performed perfectly, but I always felt it was very expensive. My repurposed rainbarrel cost much less and has more capacity than my old/new barrel.
In Florida, The average annual rainfall is between 40-65 inches. More than half of that rain falls during the wet season of June through September. This year we are back to normal conditions. Thanks possibly to El Nino, but for the past few years, we were in drought conditions. In fact, November 2008 marked the start of the driest six month period in South Florida's history. There is no rest for the weary as October of this year has been the driest on record, only a scant 1.11 inches of rain recorded. My old rainbarrel is currently empty (from use) and waiting patiently for the skies to open up so it can serve its purpose.
Saving rainwater during the dry season accomplishes many things. First of all, it saves me $$$. I do not have a well in on my property, so if I do not have rainwater to use, I am pulling water from the municiple water supply. Collecting rainwater helps me work around the water restrictions set by our local water management office. I can never remember what days I am allowed to water or wash my car. By having my own supply, I can water at will. Lastly, it is the right thing to do to help reserve our natural resources.
Doing the right thing should be our primary motivation, but in our busy, stress-filled lives, it is often not the motivator.
The South Florida Water Management has a great website full of useful information that we can do as residents to reduce wasteful water practices. They even have a great link to making and installing your own rainbarrel.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
Interestingly enough, most of the staff at whole foods had no clue what our barrel was for! So much for product information and training. About a half dozen staffers told us not to party too hard as we were carting our barrel out of the store. Obviously, they associated the barrel with a keg. In actuality, it is a terracota colored barrel that was used to transport olives. Now, I could definitely party with some good olives.....
This is my second rainbarrel. I have had the other one for about two years now. It was purchased from Gardener's Supply via the internet. This one has performed perfectly, but I always felt it was very expensive. My repurposed rainbarrel cost much less and has more capacity than my old/new barrel.
In Florida, The average annual rainfall is between 40-65 inches. More than half of that rain falls during the wet season of June through September. This year we are back to normal conditions. Thanks possibly to El Nino, but for the past few years, we were in drought conditions. In fact, November 2008 marked the start of the driest six month period in South Florida's history. There is no rest for the weary as October of this year has been the driest on record, only a scant 1.11 inches of rain recorded. My old rainbarrel is currently empty (from use) and waiting patiently for the skies to open up so it can serve its purpose.
Saving rainwater during the dry season accomplishes many things. First of all, it saves me $$$. I do not have a well in on my property, so if I do not have rainwater to use, I am pulling water from the municiple water supply. Collecting rainwater helps me work around the water restrictions set by our local water management office. I can never remember what days I am allowed to water or wash my car. By having my own supply, I can water at will. Lastly, it is the right thing to do to help reserve our natural resources.
Doing the right thing should be our primary motivation, but in our busy, stress-filled lives, it is often not the motivator.
The South Florida Water Management has a great website full of useful information that we can do as residents to reduce wasteful water practices. They even have a great link to making and installing your own rainbarrel.
Living a life of personal balance, moderation, education, and connection.
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