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Rain barrels, composting, and garden water
Outdoor water use and yard waste are easy to overlook in a household energy plan. Pumping, treating, and heating water takes energy, and food scraps that go to a landfill miss a chance to build soil. Rain barrels and composting are two of the most direct home-scale steps.
Rain barrels
A rain barrel collects roof runoff for plants. You will also want a sound diverter kit, a screened inlet, an overflow plan, and a way to keep the barrel from becoming a mosquito habitat. Check local rules: some places restrict outdoor water storage or require certain fittings. Use barrel water on gardens and foundations as local guidance allows — it is not automatically potable. A soaker hose wastes less water than a sprinkler for many beds. EPA WaterSense and WaterSense products explain household water savings more broadly.
Composting
EPA's composting guidance covers backyard piles, municipal programs, and what should not go in a typical home bin. A kitchen scrap bin makes collection easier; a tumbler can speed mixing if you have limited yard space. Follow temperature, moisture, and rodent-awareness basics rather than any single product claim.
Related: zero-waste products · energy efficiency indoors
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