A little rain barrel tutorial
Rain barrels have been around for centuries -- which, when you think about it, totally makes sense. During the wet months, store something that becomes precious during the dry months.I have to admit, I hadn't -- until relatively recently -- given the idea much thought. In fact, the only reason I was interested in them at all is because I knew they were green. And green is good. However, I wasn't entirely sure what people were supposed to do with them.
But now I get it. Rain barrels harvest water, and thus put less strain on the municipal water system. It's common sense -- not rocket science.
Here are a few more facts to put this rain barrel concept into context: more than 70 percent of the Earth's surface is covered by water, but only 2.5% of this supply is considered fresh water. The rest is found in the form of salt water in the oceans. Of the fresh water that exists, most is locked up in glaciers and ice caps, or found in the form of clouds and humidity in the soil. That leaves us 3/10 of 1 percent found in the form of lakes, rivers and streams.
Some municipalities help you by offering rain barrels for purchase. This is true in many Massachusetts municipalities, for example, and I'm sure we're not the only ones. Plus, organizations like Sustainable Works helps cities make smart choices with water, including promotion of rain barrel programs.
So next time you're looking for ways to conserve water, look to the skies, and get yourself a rain barrel.
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