Staunton Green 2020

Confused? Overwhelmed? Then start here, the first of SG2020 “Action Steps”. This is the first in an ongoing series. These action steps will give you ideas for ways you can make your life here in Staunton, Virginia greener and more sustainable. Implement the steps that make sense for you.

Already crossed this “Action Step” off your to-do list? Please share your knowledge and tips in the comments section.

~ RAINWATER COLLECTION ~

What Is It: A simple system to capture and conserve water.

Why It’s Vital: Worldwide, demand for clean water far outreaches supply. Nationally water prices have raised double-digit percent and will continue to rise thanks to drought and over-development in water-scarce areas. We’re lucky, but we’re not immune to changes in national supply. Virginia is still fighting to keep her water sources clean!

How It Helps You: Collecting rainwater saves money.

How It Helps Staunton: Rainwater run-off runs down the streets and mixes with nasty pollutants and trash (eg. cigarette butts) in the process. If you collect water and use it to water your plants during dry spells, the water will avoid this pollution and be filtered naturally by the earth.

We use captured rain water to feed our flowers.

How To:

You can buy pre-made rain water barrels locally at Young’s Hardware. They range in price, starting at roughly $150+. Here’s how we made our own.

You’ll Need:

• Large container – Barrels work best. You can get a barrel at Staunton Farm & Tractor or second-hand. We found this whiskey barrel last year for $35 at Verona Antiques. Keep your eyes open for good second-hand reuse. A large plastic trash can with lid can also work.
• Drill – (borrow one if you don’t own one)
• Cork – buy a cork that fits the hole you’ll drill in the top. Corking the top when not in use will prevent bug larvae.
• Pipe – We chose a 1/2 inch copper pipe, roughly seven inches long.
• Faucet/Knob - We chose a brass knob at Young’s Hardware.
• Bricks (optional) – Use to place barrel off the ground.

Total Material Cost: ~$50.

Okay, simple stuff folks! Drill a 1/2″ hole in the top of the barrel. Drill a second hole in the bottom-third of the barrel where you’d like a faucet. (Make sure a watering can will comfortably fit underneath, or low enough for a drip line hose, whichever you’ll use more.) The second hole will be the same width as the pipe you’ve selected. Insert the pipe and connect the knob. Position under your gutter and wait for the first rain to fill it up!

Note:

• Do not use rainwater collected from a roof for human or animal consumption. However, your plants and lawn will love it!
• If you use a wooden barrel you may need to wait for the barrel to fill and swell shut before it holds water.
• You’ll need to drain your barrel in the fall before it freezes. Otherwise, it may freeze and burst.

Enjoy!