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Nothing Says the Holidays Like a Composter and Rainbarrel

Rise in Consumer Gifts of Backyard Sustainability -- Composters and Rain Barrels on Holiday Lists

Now more than ever, consumers are increasingly committed to sustainable living and smart spending . So it's no wonder that Gardener's Supply is already seeing an increase in sales of composters, rain barrels and other items promoting backyard sustainability this holiday season.

According to The Hartman Group, a Bellevue, Washington-based consumer research firm, consumer familiarity and interest in sustainability continues to rise. In 2010, about 69 percent of consumers say they are familiar with the term "sustainability" compared with 54 percent of consumers in 2007. As consumer familiarity of sustainability increases, understanding of the term continues to evolve over time as well. The word sustainability may mean different things to different people. Among the many definitions, 50 percent of consumers now understand "sustainability" to mean "reuse, reduce and recycle" -- a sharp increase from 44 percent in 2008.*

Consumers are looking for ways to economize and to be sustainable in their backyards. Composting is a perfect way to divert food waste and take steps toward backyard sustainability as the EPA estimates that 25% of the garbage collected is yard trimmings and food scraps -- up to 60 million tons each year. And collecting rainwater for your garden is a smart idea; with drought being a key issue in many areas it's an easy solution to watering restrictions. And for those who rely on a municipal water system, it's a great way to save money.

"Our core customer, avid gardeners, have always been interested in composters and rain barrels for holiday gifts but now those same composters, rain barrels and garden carts are becoming mainstream and desired gifts," said Maree Gaetani, gardening relations, Gardener's Supply.

Here are some of the composters, rain barrels and other backyard gardening gear offered by Gardener's Supply:

Composters. The trick to composting is keeping the process as simple as possible. Two favorites include the patented Pyramid Composter, designed by Gardener's Supply's research and development team. The batch composter continuously makes large batches of dark, nutrient-rich compost. The exclusive peaked lid lets in just enough rainwater to keep compost moist, while allowing the rest to run off. The 12-cubic-foot capacity handles heaps of leaves, grass clippings, garden waste and kitchen scraps. Another favorite is the Ecostack Composter™, a small, self-contained stack that requires practically no effort. It costs less than many bargain compost bins, is simpler to use and much more durable. Unlike lightweight plastic composters, it is made of thick, UV-stabilized polyethylene. It withstands the elements without bleaching, warping or cracking.

- Kitchen Compost Crocks. During the cold winter months, having a kitchen compost pail makes it easy to limit your trips to the outdoor compost pile. A compost crock with a carbon filter is an attractive addition to your kitchen counter. Popular kitchen models include: the Tuscan Compost Crock, which is glazed inside and out, and won't stain or absorb food odors; the Galvanized Wide-Mouth Pail adds a rustic touch to any kitchen; and the classic Kitchen Compost Crock is available in three colors -- red, white and blue.

- Rainbarrels. There are now rain barrels sized for every budget, yard and home. The contemporary Rainwater Urn holds 65 Gallons and is a stylish, shapely alternative to traditional rain barrels. The English Rain Barrel, designed in England to resemble the old-fashioned dollies with ribbed sides, boasts a 40-gallon capacity. And the Deluxe Rain Barrel is a classic barrel shape that holds up to 75 gallons of water.

- Special Edition Red Garden Cart. Anyone who composts or works in the yard appreciates the value of a dependable garden cart. Gardener's Supply carts received a top rating from a national consumer magazine and the big news this year is that the traditional cart is now available in both medium and large versions. Many of the original units sold in 1983 are still out there, working hard.

To learn more about rain barrels, composters and other tools to help you be more sustainable in your own backyard, please visit Gardener's Supply or call 1-800-955-3370.

Founded in 1983, Gardener's Supply is an employee-owned company of avid gardeners providing garden-tested, earth-friendly products combined with practical information. Located in Burlington, Vermont, the company has won many awards for its patented products and innovative management style.

The Hartman Group, located in Bellevue, Washington, blends leading-edge customized research and consulting to understand the subtle complexities of consumer and shopper behavior. Since 1989, Hartman Group has been listening loudly to the underlying motivations and behaviors that move the needle for our clients. To learn more about how Hartman Group stays sharply focused on how consumers live, shop and use brands and products visit: www.hartman-group.com

*The Hartman Group has additional information on their most recent study 'Marketing Sustainability: Bridging the Gap Between Consumers and Companies' at www.hartman-group.com.