Want To Stay Green? Try The Rain Barrel Program

, local Assemblyman Andrew Hevesi, D-Forest Hills, wants the community to keep in the environmental spirit all year long.

On Monday, Hevesi sent out a release encouraging residents to participate in the Department of Environmental Protection’s Rain Barrel program.

The program, which was spearheaded by the DEP in 2008, is designed to take some of the pressure off the city’s sewer and drainage system during heavy downpours.

Residents volunteer to receive a 55-gallon rain barrel, which they can hook into their existing downspouts.

The barrel collects rain water throughout the year. The barrels are also designed to have a hose attached that can be used for watering plants or lawns, washing windows or any activity that would otherwise use water from the city’s existing plumbing system.

Rain barrel families doubly do their part, by conserving water and protecting the city’s infrastructure.

“Whether you’re doing it to save the planet or to cut down on your utilities, everyone benefits by making some of these small changes. Earth day is a great time to start changing habits before resource consumption rises in the summer,” Hevesi said. “The rain barrel program benefits whole neighborhoods during heavy downpours, and it’s free to participate in.”

This month, the city is giving away rain barrels in Queens on Saturday, April 30th from 9 a.m until 2 p.m. at Cunningham Park at 196th Place and Union Turnpike.

Barrels are given away on a first-come, first-served basis.