HOUSTON—The City of Houston Green Building Resource Center helps area residents conserve natural resources to lessen the effects of the Texas heat by offering rain barrels and compost bins at a discounted price. The spring edition of its biannual online sale is now open, with a pick-up date of Saturday, May 13.
The rain barrels, which typically retail at $129 and provide homeowners with an affordable alternative to watering from the tap, will be available for $69. Additionally, compost bins, which reduce the volume of garbage needlessly sent to landfills, will be offered for $65. Both come with instructions for easy set-up and use.
To order, visit the website by Sunday, May 7: RainBarrelProgram.org/Houston.
Purchases can be picked up May 13 from 10 am to noon at the Houston Permitting Center (West) Parking Lot 2, 1002 Washington Ave. GBRC Program Director Steve Stelzer will be available to answer questions and assist all who take part in this offer.
50-Gallon Rain Barrel. All components are included to start collecting and using rainwater. The barrel is made of 100% recycled, HDPE material. Barrels nest for easy storage—three barrels will easily fit in the back seat of a mid-size sedan. With a locking lid and screened inlet, two overflow ports, and the capability to be linked to other barrels, it also meets EPA safety standards and is made in the USA!
65-Gallon Compost Bin. Easy to assemble and convenient to convert food and lawn waste into nutrient-rich compost. Ventilation holes throughout help with proper composting. Constructed of rugged plastic, this compost bin makes it easy to recycle yard and kitchen waste, an important step in reducing methane generation at landfills.
Located on the first floor of the LEED-certified gold Houston Permitting Center, the Green Building Resource Center has over 70 displays to familiarize oneself with green building technology and materials, including outdoor demonstrations such as a bioswale and vegetated roof with AC condensate. Open Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5 pm, the GBRC also offers Second Saturday free green building consultation. Learn more at codegreenhouston.org.