Going Green While Keeping Your Garden Green
Going green is not just the popular thing to do nowadays, but an environmentally safe alternative to forking over large amounts of your hard earned money to pollution-distributing corporations while still being able to keep the functions of your household up to par. From paying your bills online to hanging clothing outside to dry, sometimes it’s the simple things that we do that make the most impact.
A home just isn’t a home without the charm of a garden in the front or back and whether you grow your own vegetables or enjoy relaxing within a burst of colorful blooms, you want to make sure your planted treasure remains healthy with regular watering. Still, a genuine concern over the environment as well as the potential rise in utility bills should the summer be peppered in 90+ degree days may convince you to seek other ways to gather water instead of turning to the hose.
Harvesting rainwater is a simple process that has long existed since before the birth of public water utilities and remains a popular method in areas where natural water resources are limited. You will also be able to play a part in reducing the amount of stormwater runoff pollution which occurs when rainwater runs off of rooftops and the pavement, collecting pollutants which will then be carried out to streams via storm sewers.
Rain harvesting systems range from a simple barrel positioned at the end of a drain spout to an extensive, multi-barreled system and can be filled quickly during a decent rainfall. A mere quarter inch of rain can may produce as much as 200 gallons of water according to conservation expert Gina Hungerford.
When choosing and/or assembling your rain harvest system, a quick search on Google can provide you with an assortment of options from where to purchase your rain barrel to how to create your own system using large plastic food containers. Ready-made rain barrels are fairly low cost and can be found in a number of places including Home Depot and Lowes. These stores feature the most basic to an assortment of stylish designs and range in price from $70.00 to over $150.00 and include a hose attachment for easy watering of nearby plants.
Creating your own rain harvesting system shows dedication to the environment by not only recycling rain water, but reusing household products when putting your system together. The internet is stocked with plenty of “how-to” instructions and you will find that the assembly is simple and rewarding to both the earth and your bank account.
An important tip when creating or setting your system up is to be cognicent of the bug population that will be swarming about the open water source. Mosquitoes will be the most common, but don’t be surprised to see bees and wasps making your harvesting system into their own pool during really hot days. Make sure to install a screen system on your rain barrel to ensure that the pests don’t become regular guests.
Imagine how dramatically the installation of a rain harvesting system will reduce your water bill and help you do your part in protecting the environment. Your interest in going green may even inspire the neighborhood when they see how such a simple system can provide a world of good. Watering your garden will no longer have to be subject to drought restrictions as you’ve already got your supplies stored and, thus, can keep a beautiful vibrant garden throughout the worst dry patches accompanying the hot summer months.