Drought or Rain, Rainwater Harvesting Helps

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bryant Moroder

bryant@rainreserve.com

608.577.1150

DROUGHT OR RAIN, RAINWATER HARVESTING HELPS

Local Groups Offer Discounted Rain Barrels at Weekend Event

St. Louis, MO (July 23, 2013) – Whether it’s rainy or drought-like, spring or summer, it’s never a bad time to start harvesting rainwater.  St. Louis Green, one of the area’s most active environmental organizations, has teamed up with Missouri-based company, Enginuity LLC, and Weekends Only Furniture Outlet to encourage more St. Louisans to become harvesters of rainwater. “If it’s raining, capturing as much water as possible reduces stormwater runoff and can help protect against sewer back-ups,” said Omar Galal, President of Enginuity LLC, makers of RainReserve diverters. “In periods of drought, stored rainwater is essential during times of restricted watering.”

To promote the use of rain barrels in the St. Louis area, RainReserve and St. Louis Green will be offering discounted rain barrel systems for a one-weekend-only sale event. “From a sustainability standpoint, this effort embodies many critical aspects of being green” said Craig Jung, Founder & Executive Director of St. Louis Green, a local non-profit project partner. “Rain barrels conserve water and energy. The barrels are repurposed, reducing landfill waste, and the diverters are manufactured right here in Missouri.”

The rain barrels are available in four colors and each comes with a diverter kit. Diverters are an essential part of the rain barrel system, preventing mosquitoes, making maintenance simpler, and allowing homeowners the ability to expand to a two barrel system on one downspout.

"We're excited to be a part of such a terrific program," said David Phillips, Chief Sustainability Officer for Weekends Only Furniture Outlet, host to this weekend’s sale event. "This partnership has been a great way to demonstrate our ongoing commitment to sustainability as well as encourage the community to take steps to protect the environment and conserve resources." In 2012 alone, Weekends Only recycled more than 251 tons of cardboard, 26 tons of plastic and 10 tons of styrofoam.

Over the years, rain barrels have become a popular addition to homes of even novice gardeners. According to the American Rainwater Catchment Association, rainwater is preferable for use on plants and drip irrigation is the best method of delivery.  Just one-quarter inch of rain on a 400 square foot roof area is enough to fill an entire 60 gallon rain barrel. During periods of drought, rain barrels store water for when it’s needed most.  Even though we have had an above average rainfall this year, the severity of last year’s drought should remind us all about the importance of conserving water. Because of the enormous amount of energy used in pumping and treating water, this helps save on energy costs for local water utility companies and their customers. In addition, capturing and using rainwater on-site means less stress on pipes and pumps, prolonging their longevity.  

The St. Louis rain barrel sale event will be held on Saturday July 27, 10am -3pm, at Weekends Only Furniture Outlet parking lot (6303 S. Lindbergh Blvd., St. Louis) and Sunday, July 28, 10am – 3pm, at Weekends Only Furniture Outlet parking lot (14205 Manchester Rd., Manchester). Complete rain barrel systems, normally $164.99, are available for just $99.99 when pre-ordered online for truck-load sale and for $109.99 the day of the event. Supplies are limited and discounted systems are available to residents and non-residents of St. Louis.

More information is available at www.rainreserve.com/STL.

About St. Louis Green

St. Louis Green, Inc. was founded to address a need in the St. Louis community for information about green businesses, green products, and green events. Founder and Executive Director, Craig Jung, noticed that people were looking for information and education about sustainable lifestyles. In 2007, he created stlouisgreen.com, a resource for everything green in the St. Louis region. The mission of the 501(c)3 non-profit organization is to empower others to learn about and implement sustainable lifestyles. This is accomplished through programs that educate, support, and empower citizens and businesses of the St. Louis area to make changes in their daily living toward a greener, more sustainable world. PHOTOS AVAILABLE UPON REQUEST.