Tag Archives: economy

The most important harvest? RAIN!

December 8, 2009 | 7 Comments

Rain barrels

Residential water use increases 40 to 50% during summer months due to outdoor water use. Stormwater runoff is the leading type of residential non-point source pollution.

What is a rain barrel?

A rain barrel collects and stores rainwater from rooftops to use later for lawn and garden watering.

Water collected in a rain barrel would normally pour off your roof directly or flow through gutterbrush and roof gutter downspouts and become stormwater runoff.

Depending on your yard, this runoff can travel onto paved surfaces and eventually into a storm drain.

54 gallon, green plastic rain barrel with screened cover and outlet hose. Also comes with overflow hose and linking kit to connect a set of two.

Why Use Rain Barrels?

  • Rain barrels conserve water and help lower costs (a rain barrel can save approximately 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months).
  • Rain barrels reduce water pollution by reducing stormwater runoff, which can contain pollutants like sediment, oil, grease, bacteria and nutrients.
  • Rain barrels are inexpensive and easy to build and install.

A rain barrel can be used to save water for plants during dry periods. Rain barrels can also be arranged to slowly release the collected rain fall to areas that can soak up the water, reducing stormwater runoff and increasing groundwater recharge.

Operation and Maintenance
Rain barrels should be drained and removed for the winter months to prevent ice damage. It is recommended that you remove the existing downspout and elbow intact and store for reinstallation in the late fall. You can then add another downspout section that will need to be custom cut to an appropriate height above your rain barrel. Two, connected downspout elbows (forming an S shape) or hinged extension should sit about two inches above the rain barrel inlet hole. Fine mesh screen should be used to cover any openings in the rain barrel to prevent mosquitoes and to trap debris. Rain barrels can be installed upon blocks or wooden crate to provide height for gravity flow purposes.

Where to purchase?
Ready-made rain barrels range from $89 to $135 each depending on size, style and added features. For local suppliers, inquire at your local home and garden supply store, garden center, nursery, or hardware store.

You can also do an internet search on rain barrels and gutterbrush.

Making Fall Chores More Fun With The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd.

November 3, 2009 | 8 Comments

The GutterBrush Guys, Ltd. (www.gutterbrush.com) enjoy being outside and completing important home improvement/maintenance projects very much. But we are also always mindful of the safety of ourselves and those around us. Take a moment and consider taking health and safety precautions when raking leaves, cleaning gutters and performing other outdoor chores. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAOS) taking a few simple steps and precautions can keep you from becoming injured while out of doors doing chores this autumn. “Many people work vigorously in the yard during the autumn season, and it often takes a toll on your body,” AAOS spokesman Dr. Laurence Laudicina, said in a news release from the academy. “Raking leaves and cleaning out the gutters are popular seasonal chores that can lead to falls or strain to your back and upper body.” In 2008 in the United States, about 617,000 people suffered injuries caused by rakes, other outdoor garden supplies and ladders, the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission noted.

So to help everyone avoid becoming one of those statistics we wanted to pass along some of the tips presented by the AAOS:

•Warm up for at least 10 minutes with some stretching and light exercise before beginning work in the yard.

•Use a rake that’s comfortable for your height and strength. You can prevent blisters by wearing gloves or using a rake with a padded handle.

•Make sure that hats or scarves don’t block your vision, and watch out for large rocks, low branches, tree stumps or uneven surfaces.

•Vary your movements and alternate your leg and arm positions often. When picking up leaves, bend at the knees, not at the waist.

•Wear shoes or boots with slip-resistant soles.

•Don’t overfill leaf bags, especially if the leaves are wet. You should be able to carry bags comfortably.

•Don’t throw leaves over your shoulder or to the side. That kind of twisting motion places undue stress on your back.

•Inspect ladders for loose screws, hinges or rungs, and make sure it is free of mud, dirt or liquids.

•Make sure all ladder legs rest on a firm, level surface. Don’t use ladders on uneven ground or soft, muddy earth.

•Always face a ladder when climbing and descending.

•Confirm that the ladder is fully open and locked before you climb it.

•Angle ladders about 75 degrees from the ground.

•Don’t sit or stand on the top of the ladder or on its pail shelf.

•Use the right ladder for the job. Step stools or utility ladders are good for working at low or medium heights, while extension ladders should be used outdoors to reach high places.

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