What are Rain Barrels?
Rain barrels are containers used to collect rain water from the roof of a building via the gutter and downspout. The downspout is cut to a height that permits the rain water to flow into a barrel placed beneath it. The barrel should have a spigot to which a hose may be attached, and an overflow hose to direct rain water away from the foundation if rain continues after the barrel is full. Rain barrels are often made from 55-gallon food-grade plastic barrels, although they can also be made of wood. The collected water can be used to water gardens or lawns, wash cars, fill swimming pools or do other household chores.
Why Use Rain Barrels?
They are essential on conserving water and reducing stormwater runoff.
In the summer months, outdoor tasks such as watering lawns and gardens typically make up about 40% of household water use. Then with seasonal droughts and restrictions/bans on lawn watering, and the increaseing cost of water, it makes sense to use rain water instead of municipal water for outdoor watering.
Ashland is working with the Great American Rain Barrel Co., a local food importing company that has been repurposing shipping drums into rain barrels since 1988. Great American Rain Barrel Co is an approved vendor by the MASSDEP for the state since 2010.
​
To help homeowners and the town manage their water supplies, Ashland is offering residents this opportunity every year beginning in February to March to purchase rain barrels at a discount. For more information click the link below.
https://www.ashlandmass.com/668/Rain-Barrels
​
Barrels are being offered to Ashland residents for $61.00 and orders will be accepted through a date outlined on their website every year.
​
Mosquitos LOVE tires!
Tires are notorious for breeding thousands of mosquitoes. Filled with water, they're a potential breeding ground for the biting female mosquito. After sitting around for a while, tires can become filled with nutritious leaves for mosquitoes to feed on for energy and the thick, rubbery composition of tires also helps provide insulation and protection for mosquito eggs, making them the perfect nest for a new spawn of pests to grow.
​
If you have used tires hanging outside around your home, take advantage of a recyling program that is FREE!
The Central Mass Mosquito Control Project will take tires and recycle them for you at no charge. Click here for more info.
​
Monthly Virtual Environmental Book Club
GreenUp Ashland in collaboration with the Ashland Public Library and the Ashland Sustainability Committee hosts a Environmental Book Club on the first Wednesday of every month at 6:30pm!
​
Each month, a topic related to climate change, sustainability, and/or what we can do to lessen our footprint is chosen.
​
Details and registration can be found here for the environmental book club read and upcoming ones as well!
Hope you join us in the discussion!
​
​