OCOEE, Fla. – The city of Ocoee promoted its sustainability efforts while offering practical tips for people to achieve their own sustainability goals at home.
The “Spring into Conservation” event provided an opportunity for residents to engage with the city’s efforts to preserve natural resources.
People could create their own butterfly gardens, pick up a free plant, or decorate a rain barrel.
Lifelong Ocoee resident Laura Harmon was there on Saturday to pick up and paint her own rain barrel.
“It’s pretty cool the city is offering it,” Harmon said. “I live in a townhouse; I have a tiny yard so it’s going to be an easy way to try and collect some water and use that for gardening.”
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According to the city’s website, rain barrels are promoted as a secondary source of water for gardening in residential areas.
The city’s website also said residential irrigation can account for up to 65% of domestic water consumption and that using rain barrels can reduce the demand on its systems, especially during warmer months.
“There’s a lot that goes into potable water because there’s the energy source and then the cleaning and distribution,” said Hsetch Burch, a city of Ocoee staff engineer. “So, that takes a lot of resources — both the city and the natural resources — from our aquifer. When you collect rain water off your roof or your property, then you’re able to save on that potable water, which also saves you money and you can use that water again at a different time.”
Another aspect of the city’s conservation efforts is educating the public on the impact of flushing inappropriate items down the toilet like small toys, cotton balls and “flushable” wipes.
“If we can stay away from using these items, we could all make sure that everything runs smoothly,” said Distribution Utilities Equipment Crew Chief Lavares Eason. “There’s no issues, there’s no backups, and life can go on as it should.”
To learn more about the city of Ocoee’s conservation efforts, click here.