Green is the New Gray

Green is the new gray.

 Onondaga County Executive Joanne Mahoney is promoting an environmentally friendly approach to Onondaga Lake cleanup. The new project is cost-effective and sustainable, according to a statement published on the Onondaga County website.

 Mahoney launched the “Save the Rain” campaign during the St. Patrick’s day parade, according to a news release on her office’s website.

 “Save the Rain’s” goal is to encourage citizens to rely on natural systems for rainwater collection.

 The traditional “gray” methods of pipes, pumps, and collection facilities are out, and green is in.

 “I’ve halted $250 million in construction costs,” says Mahoney on the county website.

 Natural methods ranging from rain gardens to porous asphalt will more effectively absorb water. The changes will decrease dependence on “gray methods.”

 Water collection prevents water overflow. When runoff occurs, water from sewer pipes and storm drains combine. The result is bacteria and floatable material in the lake, according to the Onondaga County website.

 “Save the Rain” educates county residents.  “If all county citizens made small changes like turning their downspouts, we could decrease the water runoff by 17%,” says Mahoney.

 “We are trying to convince the state that if they give us a shot, we can slow down rainwater and save money,” says Mahoney.