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Above Ground Storage Tank

A tank located above ground that is designed to hold a liquid such as water, gasoline or other petroleum products

Activator

An accelerator that can expedite the natural decomposition process. Their purpose is to increase microbial activity.

Aeration

The process of introducing air into the compost pile. This can be accomplished by turning the pile or using a compost aerator.

Aluminum (Al)

Aluminum is a soft, durable, lightweight, malleable metal with appearance ranging from silvery to dull grey, depending on the surface roughness. It has about one-third the density and stiffness of steel and is ductile, and easily machined, cast, and extruded. Aluminum is remarkable for its ability to resist corrosion.

Assembled

The product is delivered whole with no further assembly needed.

Available Supply

The maximum amount of reliable water supply, including surface water, groundwater and contracted purchases.

Bacteria

A group of one-celled microorganisms that break down organic materials in the first stages of composting.

Bokashi Bran

A bran based material that has been prepared with EM (a mixed culture of naturally occurring friendly microorganisms). It is added as a compost activator, fermenting and accelerating breakdown of the organic matter. It is made with only molasses, water, EM, and wheat bran.

Bokashi Juice

The liquid that is drained off of the compost made with Bokashi Bran. This liquid can be used as plant food, or can be poured down the drain to help keep a healthy septic system. Bokashi juice is acidic, however, and if being used as a plant feed, it should be diluted at a rate of 1:100 parts water.

Brass

Brass has higher malleability than copper or zinc. The relatively low melting point of brass and its flow characteristics make it a relatively easy material to cast. By varying the proportions of copper and zinc, the properties of the brass can be changed, allowing hard and soft brasses.

Capacity

Refers to the amount of mail a mail receptacle can store. Also refers to the amount of soil or water in containers such as planters.

Carbon Filtering

Method of filtering that uses a piece of activated carbon to remove contaminants impurities, and odors.

Carrier

An individual contractor or private company (airline, trucking company, railroad, etc.) that transports your purchases from the warehouse to the delivery address.

Cedar

Known for their durable (decay-resistant) scented wood, cedar is the preferred wood for mailboxes, posts, and other outdoor curbside products. In the plant family Pinaceae, they are most closely related to the Firs (Abies), sharing a very similar cone structure.

Certifications

Refers to any qualifications, required or not, that a product may have obtained thru a third party review and approval. Most notably here, mailbox USPS certifications and product International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certifications.

Chip resistant

Material that displays properties where chipping is unlikely.

Climate Change

The slow variations of climatic characteristics over time at a given place.

Commercial

Products that are intended for architects, builders and building managers for use in public central point delivery or curbside needs.

Composite Plastic

A common term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products. Due to their relatively low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water, plastics are used in an enormous and expanding range of products. Most common forms found on our site are polypropylene or varying densities of polyethylene.

Compost

Completely decayed organic matter used for conditioning soil. It is dark, odorless and rich in nutrients.

Compost Bin

The container used to make compost. Provides the ideal controlled environment for decomposition to occur more completely and rapidly, while providing the home garden a tidy, sanitary spot for on-site disposal of any yard or kitchen waste.

Composting

The art and science of combining unwanted yard waste, food scraps, and other organic materials under controlled conditions so that the original raw ingredients are transformed into compost.

Configuration

Refers to the number and style of mailboxes used in one setting. In commercial applications usually refers to the number and style of mailboxes. In residential mailboxes, it refers to the combination of options and colors.

Conservation (water)

The continuing protection and management of natural resources in accordance with principles that assure their optimum long-term economic and social benefits.

Copper

A beautiful metal with an orange hue that will develop a soft green patina over time.

Cubic Feet per Second (cfs)

A rate of water flow at a given point, amounting to a volume of one cubic foot for each second of time. Equal to 7.48 gallons per second, 448.8 gallons per minute, or 1.984 acre feet per day.

Decomposition

The breakdown of organic materials into smaller particles by microorganisms.

Diverter

Instrument that when connected to a down spout channels water to a specific container or area

Down Spout

Horizontal tube or piping connected to the end of a rain gutter

Drought (hydrological)

A period of below average water content in streams, reservoirs, ground water aquifers, lakes and soils.

Energizer

Works with the activator to speed up the decomposition process.

Environment

All of the external factors, conditions, and influences that affect an organism or a community.

Exclusive

We carry many products that you can only get through our site on the internet. Our dedicated team searches out quality products with limited geographical access that we feel our customers could appreciate. We have launched many successful product lines and continue to shop around for you.

Fade proof

Color resists the natural elements of sun, wind, and water to retain its natural hue.

Fiberglass

Ultra-sturdy material that will not rot, stain, bleach, freeze or become disjointed. Resists breaking.

Finish

A term used to describe the color and or texture of a product.

Flow

The rate of water discharged from a source; expressed in volume with respect to time, e.g., m3/s.

Food Grade Material/Containers

Containers have smooth interior typically made of heavy duty polyethylene. Commonly used for rain harvesting as smooth interior inhibits growth of algae

Frost resistant

Able to resist the condensation and freezing of moisture in the air. Tender plants will suffer extensive damage or die when exposed to frost.

Gallon (liquid)

231 cubic inches of liquid

Gauge

Refers to the sheet metal gauge or thickness of metal in sheet form which varies by material. The gauge of sheet metal ranges from 30 gauge to about 8 gauge. Metals such as aluminum, brass, copper, steel, tin, nickel and titanium, are commonly referred to with this measurement.

Ground Water

Ground water, as opposed to surface water, is water that does not run off, and is not taken up by plants, but soaks down into an aquifer; a supply of fresh water under the earth’s surface which forms a natural reservoir.

Home Composting

The small scale domestic application of the principles of decomposition of organic waste.

Hydroponics

The science of growing plants in mineral solutions or liquid, instead of in soil.

Installation

This describes products that will need to be installed.

ISO Certification

ISO (the International Organization for Standardization) is a worldwide federation of national standards. ISO9001 specifically defines quality system requirements for our suppliers during design, development, production, installation and servicing. It provides a way for suppliers to demonstrate its capabilities and for quality assessment of their capabilities by external parties. Companies certified by the ISO organization have taken extra steps in ensuring their product quality is provable, repeatable and within international guidelines.

Manufacturer’s warranty

Limited guarantees against product defect provided by the manufacturer.

Materials

Refers to the product’s basic make-up, whether wood, metal, clay, etc…

Organic

Refers to something derived from living organisms and is made up of carbon-based compounds. It is also a general term used for a type of gardening using no chemical or synthetic fertilizers or pesticides.

Overall Size

The height, width and length (or depth) of a product when assembled.

Patented

This refers to products or processes used by manufacturers that can not be copied for a substantial but limited amount of time.

Plastic

A common term for a wide range of synthetic or semisynthetic organic solid materials suitable for the manufacture of industrial products. Due to their relatively low cost, ease of manufacture, versatility, and imperviousness to water, plastics are used in an enormous and expanding range of products. Most common forms found on our site are polypropylene or varying densities of polyethylene.

Polyethylene

A lightweight thermoplastic; easily molded and resistant to other chemicals. Can be repeatedly softened and hardened by heating and cooling, and is used for many purposes, such as making containers, tubes, and packaging.

Program (conservation)

An action or policy that encourages, requires, or otherwise leads to implementation of water-saving measures.

Quality

A term used to refer to the manufacture of a product and it’s fit for use. For example, a high quality steel mailbox will last years longer than a make-shift plywood box.

Rain Gutter

Plastic or metal channel connected to the eaves of homes or buildings that channel rain water away from the foundation

Rainwater Harvesting

The gathering, or accumulating and storing of rainwater

Recycled water

Domestic wastewater purified through primary, secondary and tertiary treatment. Recycled water is ideal for most non-drinking water purposes such as landscaping, irrigation and industrial uses.

Resin

A lightweight and portable material that is able to stand up to wear and tear and the heat of summer due to its durable construction.

Reuse (water)

To use again; to intercept for subsequent beneficial use, either directly or by exchange. Water that would otherwise return to the steam system.

Rotational Molding

A versatile process in which a heated mold causes plastic resin to melt and form a puddle at the bottom of the mold cavity. The mold is slowly rotated causing the melted plastic to flow into the mold and stick to its walls. Even thickness is maintained by rotating the mold during the cooling phase.

Runoff

The amount of precipitation appearing in surface streams, rivers, and lakes; defined as the depth to which a drainage area would be covered if all of the runoff for a given period of time were uniformly distributed over it.

Saved Water

Refers to a fraction of a diverter’s water supply that becomes available as a result of conservation practices or water system improvements.

Some assembly required

Some products require assembly before they are usable as designed.

Standard

Refers to the configuration of a product before options and add-ons. Also refers to an average size plaque.

Sub irrigated

A passive system which, like hydroponics, provides a better flow of nutrients to your plant than traditional potting and drainage systems. Only the roots are in contact with highly oxygenated and clean water. The dirt on top does not hold the water which helps prevent mold, root rot and other plant diseases.

Terracotta

(Italian for “Baked Earth”) is a ceramic. The term is also used to refer to items made out of this material and to its natural, brownish orange color.

Underground Storage Tank

A tank located all or partially underground that is designed to hold a liquid such as water, gasoline or other petroleum products or chemical solutions.

Urban Runoff

Storm water from city streets and adjacent domestic or commercial properties that may carry pollutants of various kinds into the sewer systems and/or receiving waters.

UV Resistant

Will not fade, crack, or discolor due to sun exposure and its ultra-violet rays.

UV Stabilizers

Protects the substance from the long-term effects of ultraviolet light. They work by absorbing the UV radiation and preventing the formation of free radicals.

Vinyl

A lightweight and easy to maintain material man-made material. It can come in many colors or painted with latex paint to achieve your desired color. Vinyl is weather resistant, fade-resistant and scratch-resistant. A long lasting alternative for many materials.

Water Diversion

Changing the natural flow of water to another location by using dams, canals, or pipelines.

Water resistant

Products that absorb little or no moisture.

Weight

The weight given for each product is the actual weight and not the shipping weight after packaging.

Wood

If not defined as cedar, pine, oak or other woods, this term means generally plywood or treated woods used in the product manufacture.

Zinc

A metallic chemical element with the symbol Zn. At certain temperatures, zinc metal is malleable and can easily be beaten into various shapes. Zinc plating of steel is also a major application.
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