Celebrate Earth Day with the Waste Reduction District and the City of Bloomington By Using Compost Bins and Rain Barrels

When we work together to encourage stewardship actions, we reach more people and different sectors of the community. That’s why the Waste Reduction District, (District) and the City of Bloomington are again partnering in an EARTH DAY PROMOTION OF RAIN BARRELS AND COMPOST BINS. With climate change, the use of both devices is on people’s minds. In fact, the use of rain barrels and compost bins is a national trend. That’s why the District and the City of Bloomington are offering rain barrels, compost bins, and accessories for preordering in honor of EARTH DAY and ARBOR DAY. Orders are taken online at wastereductionistrictorders.com. Items will be available for pickup April 24th (8 am to 4 pm) and April 25th  (8 am to 2 pm) at the South Walnut Recycling Center. The order deadline is APRIL 15th and there is NO shipping cost. This promotion is NOT limited to Monroe County residents. Others in other counties may also order but pickup will be in Bloomington.

​The Waste Reduction District’s Community Outreach Coordinator Elisa Pokral says, “We are two partners with a goal—to encourage Monroe County residents and others in other counties to use rain barrels and compost bins, for a healthier earth.” She explains that “Adopting these two basic stewardship practices, in addition to recycling, opens people’s eyes as to the immense impact they can make and what the world can gain in reducing waste, of water and food, conserving water, reducing greenhouse gases from landfills, creating free soil, and saving money! Both composting and the use of rain barrels are simple and easy practices to do. Rain barrels can reduce your utility bill by up to 40%.”
 
Shawn Miya, Assistant Director of Sustainability for the City of Bloomington's Economic and Sustainable Development Department, emphasizes, “No matter where you live or work—whether in a rural, suburban, or urban area—everyone can benefit from collecting rainwater and composting kitchen waste. Rain barrels help reduce stormwater runoff—water that drains or soaks into the ground, often carrying harmful pollutants into our waterways. Compost bins not only lowers your trash costs, but also provides you with rich, free soil. It’s a simple yet powerful change that has a lasting, positive impact on both our environment and community.”  

Pokral says, “Rain barrels allow one to reuse water that would otherwise just go down the drain. Collected water can be used in a variety of ways such as washing vehicles, watering house plants and outdoor plants, rinsing decks, and cleaning up garden tools. Why compost? Why not? Rotten food, food scraps, cuttings, leaves and grass generate healthy soil to grow new food. That’s the ultimate win-win! Pokral adds that, “Home compost bins can help keep leaves out of storm drains by providing a convenient place to store them, while they break down on their way to becoming compost that can, in turn, be used to help supplement nutrients in your yard and garden. Rain barrels can reduce the use of treated drinking water for irrigation. Both practices help with stormwater management, increasing water quality and reducing erosion. These stewardship practices help reduce climate change by returning food waste to the earth and conserving and protecting water quality in the Monroe County community.” 
 
The first Earth Day was April 22nd in 1970. It was monumental for our country because it created awareness and action regarding the need to monitor earth health.” Pokral explains that using rain barrels and compost bins is a way to make Earth Day every day, just like recycling. “Let’s join together and get into the habit of using these incredible devices that help you and our world. composting and use of rain barrels help our communities by reducing waste.”
 
As District Executive Director Tom McGlasson , Jr. says, “We are happy to continue this partnership and thank all Monroe County residents who take the time to be environmentally conscious and put their values into action. We are grateful for the partnership to spread the word and encourage others to adopt basic environmental stewardship of recycling, composting and using rain barrels. The Earth and the health of all life are connected. The more people use rain barrels and compost bins, the healthier we will all be.”
 
Celebrate Earth Day and Arbor Day by ordering a compost bin and rain barrel at wastereductiondistrictorders.com and remember, there’s NO shipping charge. If you have questions related to purchasing: Contact Jeffery with BrandBuilders PH: 1-800-842-0527. Informational or local questions: Elisa Pokral, [email protected] 812-349-2866/2020, The bins will be available for pickup FRIDAY AND SATURDAY APRIL 24th   and 25th   at the SOUTH WALNUT RECYCLING CENTER located at 3400 South Walnut Street in Bloomington. Compost bins are $69.95, Rain barrels are $69.95. The DEADLINE TO ORDER is APRIL 15th. Year-round consultation regarding composting is available through the District and those interested in a composting workshop may contact Elisa Pokral at [email protected].
 
Visit wastereductiondistrict.com for the variety of District services available, pick up a District service guide at the District’s five recycling centers or call 812-349-2020. In-Classroom, and virtual presentations on “Citizen Science”/environmental programs are offered by the District year-round for businesses, schools, and other community organizations. This free service helps people of all ages become earth stewards.