On April 19, the Manasquan Environmental Commission teamed up with members of the Rutgers Water Resources Program in Manasquan, New Jersey, to host the county's third annual "Build a Rain Barrel" workshop.
Rutgers students and Sara Mellor, the program associate from Rutgers' Water Research Program, brought three dozen barrels that were previously used for storing olives and taught the attendees how to properly build and install them in their homes.
The two organizations are known in their area for educating others on issues relating to agriculture and the environment, management of natural resources, and food quality and safety. One of the biggest ways to move toward sustainable living is to use a rain barrel. A rain barrel attaches to the downspout of a gutter and collects and stores rainwater that can be used for everyday activities such as washing a car, watering gardens and filling bird baths.
Harvesting rain has many benefits – besides saving money on high water bills and conserving water, homeowners can reduce water runoff that could possibly pollute and flood local waterways. Residents wanting to use rain barrels to save money can purchase them at hardware stores, online retailers or specialty garden stores.
