This year’s Earth Day has passed, but there are still upcoming events and initiatives to take part in.
The Peabody Recreation, Parks, and Forestry Department announced on Facebook that they are selling rain barrels as a possible solution to a few climate crisis issues. According to the post, last year was another year of record flooding and drought. In August, more than six inches of rain fell on parts of the state and in October, there were only five rain-free weekends since Memorial Day. These resulted in hundreds of “no swimming days” at beaches and bacteria-laden stormwater to flow into the ocean.
“Presently, climate crisis is here to stay,” the post reads. “Rain water is an alternate source of water during droughts, one can decrease their water bill by up to 40%, rain water is a healthy, chlorine and chemical-free water source for plants and gardens, rain barrels help reduce pollution and erosion, rain barrels can improve local watershed health by collecting runoff rain from roofs and gutters, and it can lower municipal water demands and save energy at treatment plants.”
The rain barrels from the The Great American Rain Barrel Company are 100% re-purposed, food grade, UV protected, and BPA-free. They are produced in Massachusetts, and are available in different colors.
“(It) will last for years when properly drained and stored for winter,” the post reads.
Residents can order a barrel for a discounted price of $89. To order, go to https://www.greatamericanrainbarrel.com/community/ and select your state and city. The deadline to order is May 19 at midnight. Barrels can be picked up at Saturday, June 1, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Brooksby Farm at 54 Felton St.
The Peabody Essex Museum is also hosting an event called Our Time on Earth Climate Activations: Be the Change, on April 27 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at the Our Time on Earth, Gallery 201, “Be the Change” zone, where attendees can converse with climate advocates, researchers, and community leaders on local and regional efforts to address climate change. There are other Saturdays, such as in May 4, May 11, and June 1, where the same event will be held but with different speakers.
