Queens, NY – On Sunday, June 2nd, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic (D,WF-Fresh Meadows), State Senator John Liu (D-Flushing), and Council Member James Gennaro (D-Jamaica Estates), partnered with the NYC Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and LES Ecology Center for their annual environmental fair in Fresh Meadows.

This annual event received tremendous support, with 160 distributed barrels to local residents, and demonstrated the community’s commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainability in Queens.

“Rain barrels serve as important tools in cultivating environmental consciousness and offsetting flood risks, particularly during hurricane season. I am honored to collaborate with Council Member Gennaro, State Senator John Liu, NYC Department of Environmental Protection, and LES Ecology Center in addressing both rainwater management and e-waste recycling, ensuring a comprehensive approach to sustainability for our community,” said Assemblywoman Nily Rozic.

“Rain barrels are a great way for homeowners to contribute to a greener, cleaner and more sustainable community. Not only can residents save on water bills, but reusing rainwater helps to relieve the burden on our sewers. Thank you to Assemblywoman Rozic, Council Member Gennaro, the DEP, NYC Parks, and the Lower East Side Ecology Center for once again coming together to give our community an opportunity to benefit from this eco-friendly initiative,” said State Senator John Liu.

"I am proud to partner with the Lower East Side Ecology Center, Assemblywoman Nily Rozic and State Senator John Liu to host our annual rain barrel and e-waste event. As Chair of the New York City Council's Committee on Environmental Protection, Resiliency & Waterfronts, I am especially thrilled to host events like this that help to promote sustainability and the safe disposal of e-waste. This event is wildly popular in our district, and I look forward to another successful event this year!” said Council Member James Gennaro.

June through November is hurricane season in New York. With the increase in damaging storms, including Hurricane Ida in 2021, Eastern Queens has experienced some of the worst flooding.

Many of the buildings and homes in the area are in flood zones and low-lying areas.

Rain barrels can help mitigate flooding by collecting and storing rainwater, which reduces runoff and decreases the burden on stormwater systems during heavy rainfall.