Biodiversity / Food / Water

January 13, 2004

 

Used Wine Barrels Recycled into Home Rainwater Tanks

Keywords: NGO / Citizen Non-manufacturing industry Reduce / Reuse / Recycle Water 

Co-op Yamanashi, a consumers' cooperative in Yamanashi Prefecture, has been promoting the effective use of rainwater, using small tanks that can be easily installed at home.

The "Rain Pot" rainwater tanks are recycled from used wine barrels that come from the prefecture, one of Japan's top wine-producing areas. The Rain Pot is comprised of two 220-liter wine barrels connected together. In July 2001, the co-op installed two Rain Pots under each of the two rain gutters of the head office, and has since then used the collected rainwater for car washing and watering the grounds around the building.

After publicizing the Rain Pots through events and newsletters, the co-op received many inquiries from people wanting to know more. Over 200 units have been installed to date, mainly for households. The collected rainwater is mostly used for garden plants, and helps to reduce the demand on other water supplies.

The barrels, made of plastic, are easy to work with. Anyone can install them easily, and the necessary parts are available at any hardware store. The wine barrels can be purchased for 1,000 yen (about U.S.$9) at the co-op's headquarters and two branches.




Posted: 2004/01/13 09:09:54 PM
Japanese version

 

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