Green Living

When a natural resource falls from the sky for free, it makes good sense to collect the bounty. That’s the story with rainwater harvesting.

By getting a simple rain barrel designed for the task, you can collect rainfall to water your garden (or wash your car). (An added bonus is that rain’s not treated with chlorine like that which flows from the tap, making it perfect for plants.)

Brainchild of writer Alex Metcalf and landscape designer Paula Henson, RainBud barrels answer the call for Southern Californians who want to water their gardens without paying their utility or draining reservoirs. They also ensure you do your part to divert rainwater from streets where it picks up pollutants and washes out to sea. And the best part is RainBud products contain no new plastic and are made right here instead of far, far away.

The duo at RainBud takes food grade polyurethane containers from local food importers (think giant vats of pickles) and retrofits them for use under your house or apartment’s downspout. Complete with hose bib and mosquito screen, they’re ready to go. Since only 30% of homes don’t have rain gutters in L.A., there’s a good chance you’re a perfect candidate for the super easy install a barrel requires.

1/10^th of an inch of rain will fill a 60 gallon barrel. That’s a fraction of what could be collected each year, even in our dry climate, even in a drought. For example, just a couple of weeks ago our Southern California downpour delivered a dozen inches in some areas. That would fill a lot of barrels.

According to the EPA, you could save 1,300 gallons of your outdoor water use in the summer by saving rain from an earlier season.

A RainBud barrel is a little over a hundred bucks, and if you live in Santa Monica, it’s very worth looking into a possible rebate. And ydt readers, Alex says you get free delivery.

Or there’s always this quirky mini version.

One more thing: check out TreePeople as a smart resource for even more ways to capture rainwater on your property.

Tags: Environmental Action, green living los angeles, rain barrels, rain barrels los angeles, rainbud, rainwater collection, rainwater harvesting, water conservation, water tips