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How to start living organically for Organic September

Organic September was founded by the Soil Association to try to encourage consumers to try organic produce and become more aware of farming procedures. From making smart purchase choices to growing your own fruit and veg, starting an organic living journey can begin with the smallest of steps. Whether you want to cut down your impact on the Earth or you wish to help wildlife and animals, living organically can aid more than just the environment directly around you. With more of us becoming eco-conscious and aware, it no surprise that sales of Soil Association labelled organic products are on the up, although we must be aware that some items are not all they seem.

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The Top Themes From Hampton Court Garden Festival

The Top Themes From Hampton Court Garden Festival

This year’s Hampton Court Garden Festival was blessed with great weather and soaring temperatures. If you watched the coverage on BBC, you probably noticed how beautiful the weather was. Along with typically good weather, garden festivals and shows are traditionally the time to showcase beautiful gardens and trends within gardening. They have also become a time to push the boundaries slightly and have areas that are installed to create debate and shock. This year’s Hampton Court RHS show was no exception. Whilst similar fashions and materials were used in the displays that were in the Chelsea Flower Show 2019, a few different themes were explored.

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The history of rainwater harvesting systems

The history of rainwater harvesting systems

Many of us now know about rainwater harvesting systems and what they are used for, but it was not always as popular as it is now. Water butts, and online searches for rainwater harvesting is up 200% in the last year so, the public are becoming more interested in collecting rainwater and more people are using it for more than just watering plants. This water can also be used for cleaning cars, flushing toilets and more, which can help a household become eco-friendlier. The wealth of knowledge on this subject is growing as communities educate each other on rainwater harvesting and the benefits of becoming more self-sufficient. Modern water supplies are filtered and brought in from reservoirs, but how did our ancestors get hold of water when they did not have systems we have now?

water from sewer

The Romans

Millions of tourists flock every year to see the many towns and cities in the UK that have remnants from the Roman Empire still standing. It is a real testament to Roman engineering that some of these buildings and constructions still exist and people can visit them. One notable structure that still stands are Aqueducts. Some of these are still used in parts of Europe as railway bridges and as a transport for water. Originally, these were placed to help bring water down from outside sources such as fresh springs to fill latrines, public baths, private households and fountains. The water was moved downwards using gravity and had sedimentation tanks built in to take away any debris. This was a remedy to people collecting rainwater in storage jars and cisterns as their populations and need to build structured civilisations grew.

bridge

Filtering & Purifying Water Around the World

Early water treatments included boiling water in the sunshine but if boiling water this way was impossible, other communities would use sand in cisterns to filter rainwater. As people started to cook using heat, water was boiled over fires to kill disease and impurities. Although boiling water is one of the most effective ways of killing bacteria and diseases, distillation was invented in the 8th Century as a slower, heat free but very effective way of creating safe water.

As our knowledge of chemicals and compounds grew, Ancient Egyptians found that adding Alum to unfiltered water would group all impurities together and make it easy to skim particles and debris away. Also, the use of filtering using charcoal popularised as civilisations found it to be advantageous. Some of these methods are still used in areas of the world where running water is unfiltered.

For millions of years, civilisations have found ways of improving water quality and taste, but there was not one standard way of providing pure water to populations. Thanks to leaps in science in the last 150 years, most of the world has been able to have safe drinking water in our houses. Also, with inventions such as the Gutter Mate, we have been able to filter debris from rainwater straight from our gutters with ease.

Modern Day

With advances in technologies, we are now able to harvest rainwater and cut back on the filtered water that is now our main supply. In a way, it is almost like we have had to take a step back in time to become eco-friendlier and help take the strain away from modern reservoirs and the demand for pure water. Studies also suggest that rainwater is actually better for watering plants, fruit and vegetables as it is less treated and more organic.



Rainwater harvesting packages and water butts have come in leaps and bounds over recent years as we take huge steps away from storage jars and filtering water by hand. On large scales you can have rainwater pumped back into your house (after being properly filtered) and smaller scales, you can install a water butt and harvest rainwater relatively cheaply and fuss-free.

If you are interested in having rainwater pumped back into your house, call us on 01462 429720 or explore our systems and packages. To start a rainwater harvesting project, delve into our large range of water butts and decorative water butts (so that you don’t compromise on style!).

Our full range can be found here at Water Butt Warehouse.

You can be water smart, with Thames Water and Water Butts Direct

You can be water smart, with Thames Water and Water Butts Direct

Water is a very valuable commodity and as our population increases, the need for running water becomes greater.  Small wastes can become large-scale problems when many households exhaust the supply. You may already be trying to preserve your water supply by not wasting water and not using excessive amounts for household tasks, but there may be more you could do. Water Butts Direct have teamed up with Thames Water to help and educate people on how to use and save their water better.

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Water Preservation is a Hot Topic at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Water Preservation is a Hot Topic at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

Water Preservation is a Hot Topic at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show has been one of the most prestigious flower shows in the world since its inception in 1912. Known for inventive displays and outrageous exhibitions, the show is at the forefront of showcasing fashion, beauty and pushing boundaries in the gardening world. 2019 was no different.

Given how this show is known for having the latest styles and trends, it was perhaps unsurprising that with the recent attention in the media focused on the environment, some of the themes centred around water preservation, sustainability and finding eco-friendly ways of living. Many of the displays were either made from eco-friendly resources, revealed inventions to help green programs across the world or were trying to raise awareness.

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Easy Eco-Friendly Changes You Should Make in Your Home

Easy Eco-Friendly Changes You Should Make in Your Home

Making some small and affordable changes around your home can have a huge effect on the environment. These changes can help to reduce your carbon footprint whilst also saving you money.

In this post, we’ve put together our top-tips of eco-friendly changes that you can make in your home. We’ve left out recycling as you’ll likely be doing this if you’re interested in living an eco-friendly life.

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How to Protect Your Garden from a Drought

It’s fair to say: we Brits love the summer. As soon as there’s the smallest glimpse of sun, we flock to our gardens, nearby parks and beaches in full force. But a prolonged summer heatwave can have some adverse effect, especially in our gardens.

A drought, especially when there’s a hosepipe ban, can put our gardens at risk. Plants can suffer and are occasionally lost and lawns could turn brown and patchy. But if you’re prepared for the summer months, you can help protect your garden in those rain-free periods.

In this post, we’ve created a list of ways you can help to defend your garden during a drought.

collect rainwater

Collect Water

Harvesting rainwater is one of the best ways you can get ready for an impending drought. It’s also beneficial for all gardeners, helping you to make the most out of water that would otherwise be wasted. You’ll also save money, cutting down on your water bill.

To harvest rainwater, a water butt is the most simple method. A water butt will collect water that goes into the gutter when it’s raining. The water is syphoned off before it goes down the drain and stored in a secure plastic container. This water can then be used to water your plants as well as other things like flushing a toilet. We’ll discuss watering techniques later in this post.

In addition to harvesting rainwater, you could also use grey water around your garden. Grey water is clean water that comes from sinks, baths, showers, washing machines, dishwashers etc. If you’re able to collect any grey water, use this to water your plants. Just be sure that the water doesn’t have anything harmful to plants in it such as bleach and avoid excessive use as well as edible plants. Once you collect grey water, if it’s not treated, it must be used with 24 hours to stop bacteria developing.

Along with water butts and grey water, you could add an irrigation system to maximise the water in your garden. An Irrigation system drastically cuts down on water waste by soaking the roots directly. They can also use water collected from the two methods we discussed, along with the mains supply, if required. An irrigation system will save you the effort of hand watering, a great benefit if you’re short on time or not a spritely as you once were.



Choose Drought Tolerant Plants

If you live in an area that’s prone to droughts, you should choose drought-proof plants for your garden. All plants need water, but some plants can still thrive on a limited amount, making them better-suited to hotter climates.

As you’ll likely know, succulents and cacti need very little liquid to grow. They store water, meaning they can survive for long periods without additional watering. They’re also hard-wearing and generally pretty low maintenance.

Another great option is a tropical palm. These come in a huge number of varieties so check each type individually before you purchase them to make sure they can flourish in your climate.

A Bougainvillea is a climber and perfect for hotter climates. This bight and colourful plants can be seen in small pots through to huge trees. Although they do love to be watered, they’re a hardy plant that can thrive without it for long periods.

Lavender is another plant known for its hardiness. This colourful perennial needs minimal water to prosper. It can also add an amazing aroma to your garden.

There are plenty of other drought-friendly plants. Just do your research before buying a species you’re unsure of.

Soil and Mulch

Your garden soil can be a key factor in protecting your yard in a drought. Thankfully, the best soil for a drought is also the best all-around soil for plants to grow in. That means, getting it right when setting up your garden is key.

There are three main components in soil: sand, clay and silt. Too much silt and sand and the water will flow too quickly through the soil. Too much clay and the ground will be too hard to work. Ideally, you want a combination of the three, especially clay and sand. This combination is known as loam and ensures the best soil for your plants. Loam is packed full of minerals and helps maintain the optimum moisture levels. You can create the mix by balancing out your soil or adding a new layer of premium soil to your garden.

Once your soil is in its best condition, add a thick layer of mulch on top. This will help to protect the soil from direct sunlight and keep moisture in the soil and its temperature cool. Mulch can also prevent weeds from seeding, blocking the surface of the soil. Mulch comes in different shapes and sizes so if you’re buying it ready-made, check to see which is the best for your garden.

A combination of the best soil and appropriate mulch should give your plants a much better chance of surviving a heatwave.



Weed Your Garden

Not only are weeds unsightly in your garden, but they can also be a waste of water. Weeds will steal water away from the plants, wasting the valuable moisture that could be used. Take the time to remove the weeds to prevent this from happening.

When weeding, keep in mind that the roots run deep. Don’t just tackle the part of the weed you can see, try to remove the weed entirely. This will help prevent it from returning.

Get the Watering Right

When watering your plants during a drought, avoid using a hose. Hoses are wasteful as they’re difficult to control and may lead to the water not reaching the plants’ routes. Instead of a hose, use watering cans to water the base of the plant heavily and deeply. Cover the whole area of the route rather than focussing on one spot a couple of times a week.

Never water during the heat of the day when the weather’s at its warmest. This can cause the water to evaporate, wasting some of what you put down. Stick to early mornings or evenings to ensure the plants receive as much as the water as possible.

You should also prioritise what you water. This can be done by monitoring the plants and focussing on species that you know need more water to survive. Look out for warning signs that a plant is dehydrated like wilting leaves.



Let the Lawn Grow

If you have a lawn in your garden, during a drought, let the grass grow longer to help protect it. A shorter lawn is more likely to wilt and go brown if it doesn’t have access to water. It will also be wide-open to the sun, without any protection for the grass or the soil.

If you do want to keep your lawn neat and tidy, increase the height of the blades. This will enable you to mow without cutting your grass too short.

Unlike the majority of your plants, grass can recover after a long period without water with some cultivation. Don’t worry about the grass too much, just wait for the drought to end and the rain should help bring it back to good health. If needed, simply top it up with seed and feed to bring it back to life quickly.   

Author Bio

David Atkinson is a content creator at Silver Groves, a leading retailer of stunning quality silver home gifts. He writes about many subjects including interior design, style and gardening.

Can You Drink Harvested Rainwater?

You can use harvested rainwater for many things: watering the plants, washing your clothes, and even flushing the toilet. But water, or at least the water that comes in bottles or from our taps, is something we usually associate with drinking. Which raises one question: If you can do all of this with harvested rainwater, can you drink it?

The answer is yes, but only if you treat it and collect it in the correct way. So don’t stick your head under your water butt’s tap and take a gulp. Instead, read on to find out how drinking harvested rainwater can be dangerous, and what you can do to make it safer to consume.

Why drinking harvested rainwater can be dangerous


Rainwater is likely to be pure when it starts falling from the sky, but on its journey to your water butt, there’s a strong chance it will become contaminated in a number of different ways. First, it can pick up harmful particles from the air, like dust, smoke or pollutants. Then it can pick up dirt, bird droppings and other contaminants as it washes over your roof and through your gutters. Far more than “just a bit of dirt,” these contaminants have been linked to serious health risks and should be avoided at all costs. In some cases, they can be deadly.

Despite these risks, there are many people around the world who do drink harvested rainwater, particularly in countries where water supplies are scarce. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned of the risks of drinking rainwater. In its published guidelines they state that “well designed rainwater harvesting systems with clean catchments and storage tanks supported by good hygiene at point of use can offer drinking-water with very low health risk.”

If you have one of these rainwater harvesting systems, your water should be safe to drink. So what counts as a system with “good hygiene” and how do you get one?

How to make rainwater drinkable


The first step towards creating a safe-to-drink rainwater harvesting setup is minimising the contaminants that could make it into your water butt in the first place. Start by moving (or removing) any plants and trees that hang over your gutter. Most systems will come with filters and diverters of their own, but make sure you have the best diverter you can find to catch debris, and an effective downpipe connector that filters the water. This will make your tank far cleaner, and your water much safer.

There’s still work to do, though. Even the best filters will struggle to remove microscopic parasites and viruses from any rainwater that has been collected. To stay safe from these, you need to disinfect the contents of your water butt. There are several methods you can use to disinfect rainwater. Some of them should only be carried out by experts, though, as it can be difficult to ensure their effectiveness.

Perhaps the most straightforward disinfection technique is using a UV sterilisation system. These systems shine ultraviolet light into water to penetrate the cells of any organisms in contaminating it, rendering them unable to reproduce, and therefore making them harmless.

For more information on safely drinking rainwater, visit the WHO’s rainwater harvesting page. Browse our collection today to find all the equipment you need to harvest and drink rainwater at home.

 

Why You Need To Start Harvesting Rainwater & What You Need To Do It

Why You Need To Start Harvesting Rainwater

Water butts are most commonly used to recycle rainwater for use around you garden, and that’s a great way to save water and money on your household bill. However, the water you use for your lawn is doesn’t even scratch the surface of what you could be saving by having a water butt.

How much can you really save?

We all have to pay for the water that we use but rainwater is free, if you can collect enough of it then you have the potential to reduce your water bill by up to 34%. There are a few things that influence how much rainwater you will be able to harvest. CAT Information Service give this basic formula to calculate how much you could be collecting:

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How to turn your house into an eco home

Taking the time to make your home more energy efficient not only helps the environment, it can also reduce your household bills. It can be easy to make small changes around the house to make your home more eco-friendly, which we’ll go through here.

Install a water butt to reuse ‘old’ water


Reusing water sounds more difficult than it actually is, and installing a water butt in your garden is an easy way to do this. Water butts allow you to use rainwater to augment your main water supply by collecting it via your guttering and storing it in a large tank in your garden. You can use this rainwater for various things around the garden and home, including flushing toilets and watering your garden.

To use the rainwater to flush the toilet, set up your water butt to lead to the toilet cistern, which will fill your toilet up with rainwater, saving water, and saving you money with every flush.

Make sure you set your toilet plumbing up to switch back to the main water supply for when there’s no water collected in the water butt. You can do this by having using a pump to drive water from the water butt to a header tank in the loft space, which will then let gravity feed the water into your toilet cistern. Ensure that this tank has a mains water inlet, so it can be filled up if there is no rain water for a while, like during a particularly hot summer.

You can also use rainwater collected from a water butt to water your plants during hosepipe bans, which your water company may employ during particularly hot summers. Rainwater is especially good for watering plants even when there isn’t a hosepipe ban, as it doesn’t contain the chemicals found in treated tap water. Water butts tend to have taps fitted near the base, which you can use to fill watering cans, or even connect a hosepipe to.

 

Save energy with a smart meter and efficient lighting


Keeping a property well heated often uses up the majority of a domestic energy supply. According to Ovo Energy, a typical home in a mild climate uses between 5,000 kWh and 30,000 kWh of energy per year, and it can be very easy to use more than you think. Simply installing a smart meter in your home can help you manage when your energy is being used, so you can make a more conscious effort to reduce your energy output—for example, by adjusting the times your heater turns on and off. Even lowering the temperature by just one or two degrees can have a massive impact on your carbon footprint and how much you spend.

You should also switch to energy efficient bulbs around the house, which use up much less energy than traditional light bulbs. Lighting typically accounts for about 10-20% of a home’s total electricity bill. Of course, you should use natural light as much as possible, reducing the amount of time you need to have your lights switched on. One way you can do this involves sun tunnels, which channel sunlight into a room through openings on a roof. By creating a tunnel through your home, you can inject natural light into hallways and rooms, which may not have windows.

Sun tunnels can be installed on pitched or flat roof extensions, and can come with flat or domed glass covers. While flat covers lie flush with the roof, it’s important to remember that some of the sunlight will be lost by reflection, while domed covers refract the light inwards, therefore capturing extra light. However, installing a sun tunnel is a major project, and may require hiring a professional builder.

 

Insulate your home to cut down heating times


Having a well insulated home can drastically cut down on your heating bills, and reduces how much energy is required to heat your house. Since heat rises, the best place to start insulating is with the loft to trap the heat in your home for as long as possible.

Most homes will have loft insulation as standard, but older homes may not be as well insulated as they could be. Insulation can be bought from most DIY shops at affordable prices, or you can opt for natural or organic materials, such as hemp, wood, wool, or cork insulation. You can also use materials such as cotton and denim fibres, or newspaper. Improving the insulation in your loft and basement also helps to regulate the temperature of your house, meaning you’ll need less energy to heat or cool it throughout the year.

Switching to double glazing, if your home doesn’t already have it, can also help to keep the heat inside your home, ensuring that you don’t need to turn the thermostat up as high or for as long. If you only want to insulate your windows during winter, or want to save money with DIY options, you can use temporary insulation methods. This includes rubber sealing strips along the window frames, or sticking plastic shrink film to the windows to mimic the effects of double glazing.

 

Use natural or recycled materials where possible


As well as using natural and recycled material to insulate your home, they can also be used to furnish your home, and there are now more companies dedicated to producing sustainable furniture than ever. If you’re looking to save money, consider buying used furniture from thrift shops, charities, and even Craigslist or eBay.

Choosing wood-framed windows is also more eco-friendly, and offers more benefits than UPVC or metal frames. Although they cost more, wooden frames offer more insulation, are easier to repair, and less polluting than UPVC, which emits toxic compounds. Other natural-based products you could use around the house include switching from plastic to biodegradable bags. Whether they are to be used when shopping or as trash bags and caddy liners, biodegradable bags will break down in landfills, making them a recyclable, eco-friendly product.

 

Install solar panels to cut energy bills


Solar panels are perhaps the most well-known eco-friendly way to harness energy, however many people are still hesitant to install them due to the lack of sunshine in the UK. The truth is, solar panels generate electricity based on daylight rather than sunlight, so some energy can still be produced on gloomy winter days.

There are two types of solar panels: photovoltaic solar panels, known as solar PV, which harness energy to power household goods and lighting. The other type is solar thermal, which allows you to heat water. Both types of solar panel will provide cuts to your bills, while making use of renewable energy.

Houses with a south-facing roof will see the most benefit from installing solar panels, providing that the panels are free from too much shading from other buildings and trees.

With just a few small changes, you can turn your house into a more eco-friendly home, and save money at the same time. Whether you’re installing a water butt in your garden or opting for natural or second hand furnishings around the house, it’s never been easier to be more ethical at home.

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