Tuesday, February 8, 2011

Collect Rainwater

Sossusvlei dunes, Namibia
Photograph by Philippe Bourseiller
Nature gives us water for free. Like solar and wind energy, collecting rainwater is a means of protecting the environment in a sustainable way. The rain that falls on the roofs of our houses could cover as much as 80% of our current annual domestic-water consumption. In addition collecting rainwater prevents it from flowing along the street, picking up pollutants, and depositing them into storm drains and eventually into our waterways. Rainwater collection systems do double-duty, conserving water and protecting our environment from pollutants.

Have a rainwater collection system fitted into your house to meet your outdoor water needs, like watering the garden and washing the car. At the very least, put a plastic dustbin between your rain-gutter to collect water.
-from the book '365 Ways to Save the Earth' by Philippe Bourseiller

2 comments:

Swati said...

I read this fascinating book called "Aaj bhee kharay hain talab" which described all the rain water harvesting techniques used in Rajasthan in the olden days. It was a beautiful read. I liked it so much that I had to buy a copy for myself. Its in Hindi, but the language just flows so beautifully that it makes it a very easy read. You must ask me for it when we meet next, Inshah Allah!

Poorvi said...

I would love to borrow it from you and greatly commend your interest in the subject.