Marin County’s own EO Products has been lauded the world over for its commitment to environmental stewardship. The personal care products producer is a certified B-Corporation, a certified California Green Business and is powered by 100% renewable energy. 

So how does a business where even the forklifts are zero-emission electric vehicles carve out an even larger impact in the environmental space? In a word: water. 

“EO Products operates in a part of the country that is prone to severe drought,” said Katheryn Jones, EO Products Community & Education Manager. “We know that water is a precious resource, and for many employees here water conservation has always been a way of life.” 

Since Chief Operating Officer Sam Borri championed a push to collect rainwater for re-use to irrigate the company’s San Rafael campus, EO Products staff have installed a pilot rainwater catchment system and have been wowed by the results. The company collected more than 1,000 gallons of water (32 barrels worth), and the company plans to use larger, 275-gallon totes to collect even more this coming winter. 

“Considering this was just a pilot test, and we didn’t know what to expect, we are very pleased and surprised with the results,” Borri said.  Rain catchment systems like the one installed at the EO Products campus work by siphoning water from roof drainage systems (usually the gutter downspouts) and storing that water in rain barrels or cisterns for landscaping use. The process helps conserve potable water for indoor uses and human consumption while keeping outdoor plants happy and healthy. 

For more than a decade, Marin Water has offered a rebate for customers who install rain catchment systems. And recently, that rebate was increased thanks to a partnership with the Marin County Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program. Now, Marin Water residential and commercial customers can earn 75-cents for every gallon of rainwater storage installed on their property. With commercially available kits, or hired help, installation is a breeze! 

For those looking to take a more DIY approach, EO Products is currently collaborating with Marin Water on a special giveaway to assist. 

As part of the company’s effort to divert more than 90% of its waste away from landfills, EO Products in the spring of 2024 began donating barrels previously used in its business operation to Marin Water. These non-food-grade barrels can easily be converted into water storage barrels for use in residential and commercial rainwater catchment systems, enabling Marin Water customers to supplement their outdoor watering needs. As of Aug. 20, 2024, more than 200 customers had expressed interest and more than 260 barrels had been given away. 

With the free barrels, a few needed supplies and some DIY instructions, customers can create their own rain catchment systems at a reduced cost. 

“Water is essential, both as a foundational ingredient in our products and for all of life” said Co-Founder Susan Griffin-Black. “We are happy to provide barrels to our community for rainwater capture, as it aligns with our great respect and attention to this precious resource.” 

A tip for business owners 

Like residential Marin Water customers, commercial customers also qualify for rain catchment system rebates. What advice does EO Products have? Just do it. 

“You don’t need to be an expert. We aren’t,” said Jones, the Community & Education Manager. “Don’t be afraid to start – just do it.” Jones added that water can collect quickly, and that an overflow valve and/or backup barrels are essential to a working system.

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