The City of Newcastle is participating in a regional initiative to bring affordable rain barrels and composters to its residents.
A program spokesperson said, “In collaboration with the Central Oklahoma Storm Water Alliance (COSWA), this effort seeks to motivate Newcastle’s residents to save water, decrease water pollution, enhance air quality, and divert waste from landfills.”
The spring sale, offering rain barrels and composters, has been extended for the residents of Newcastle until August 31.
To place an order for rain barrels, composters, or related accessories, visit: https:// upcycle-products.com/okprograms/ coswa-hd/.
The program spokesperson said rain barrels provide a simple, effective, and affordable solution to limit stormwater runoff from your property. These barrels capture and store rainwater from your home’s gutter system. This saved water can be used for watering your lawn and garden, washing your car, or even your dog.
Moreover, during the summer, the use of a rain barrel could potentially decrease your utility bill by reducing your dependence on the city water supply.
On a small scale, composting helps to recycle food scraps and yard waste, which account for 20-30% of what is usually thrown away, the spokesperson said. The resulting compost can be used as a natural fertilizer for your lawn and gardens, enhancing the soil’s structure and water holding capacity, and promoting the growth of healthier, more resistant plants. An added advantage is that composting at home has a lesser environmental impact than dumping the same waste in a landfill, where it contributes to climate change by producing methane gas.
COSWA, an Oklahomabased non-profit organization, consists of municipalities, public agencies, and private businesses. Together, they strive to increase public awareness about watershed management, stormwater quality, and pollution prevention. The spokesperson said Newcastle’s participation in this initiative underlines the city’s commitment to encouraging these environmentallyfriendly practices among its residents.
