Rain Barrels and Rain Gardens are Key to Creating a Sustainable Environment

Teenagers in Cleveland, Ohio, are helping the city’s environment and the Northwest Ohio Regional Sewer district by installing rain barrels and creating a sustainable environment through rain gardens. According to an article from EarthWatch Ohio, teens had the opportunity to create, deliver and set up over 200 rain barrels in city neighborhoods throughout the Cleveland area this summer.

Creating a sustainable environment through the use of rain barrels reduces the amount of stormwater going down the city’s sewers. Through the use of rain barrels the city reduces the amount of raw sewage flowing into the rivers and lakes from stormwater overflow. Rain barrels are constructed from large plastic containers, which fit under a homeowner’s water spout to collect rainwater. At the bottom of the barrel is a spigot that fits a garden hose and then can be used to water the homeowner’s garden or lawn, thus reducing their water bills. By installing and using rain barrels, citizens are creating a sustainable environment using nature’s resources without harmful counter effects.

Teens who volunteered with the non-profit group, Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U.), were taught how to create four rain gardens on city property throughout Cleveland. By creating a sustainable environment with rain gardens, water is filtered through layers of rock and mulch into the soil which reduces the amount of stormwater entering the sewers.

Be sure to ask your city’s government how they are creating a sustainable environment for your community!

Tags: creating a sustainable environment, Environmental Sustainability, fair green trade