How it came about...

My name is Markus Gyimes and I have always been interested in flora and fauna.

The story began in 2014 with our recreational property, with ponds and lots of plants. Right from the start, I used a standard rain gauge to get an idea of how much it had rained. This information is important for any hobby gardener, farmer or garden enthusiast. It can be used to determine whether the plants need additional watering or not. Depending on the size of the area and the number of plants, this requires a lot of time, labor and water. Over the years, my plastic rain gauge has unfortunately broken again and again. Whether it was a high-spirited dog that knocked over the rain gauge and broke a corner, or the first frost that simply came unexpectedly. The result was always the same ... a broken plastic container!

Conclusion: a new rain gauge will have to be bought again in spring.

This was the impetus for me to look for a sustainable solution to this problem. However, after repeated research on the Internet, I realized that, in my opinion, there was nothing suitable on the market.

I quickly realized that I needed a different material. Regardless of whether it freezes or something falls on it, the rain gauge should survive. I found the right base material in silicone. Insensitive to the sun, UV radiation, heat and cold, the material also has other advantages. It is soft enough to be turned inside out so that the inside of the funnel can be cleaned properly, it is dishwasher-safe and durable. Best of all, it is free from petroleum and plasticizers, resistant to moisture, environmentally friendly, non-toxic and recyclable. Unlike plastic, silicone is made of silicon. This is obtained from sand, oxygen, carbon and hydrogen and therefore does not require fossil raw materials.

After a great deal of thought, consideration and advice, I have gradually come closer to the current shape of my sustainable rain gauge and am now pleased to be able to offer a real alternative in the field of rain measurement. The company name Forena is derived from the properties of this rain gauge in german, formstabil, recyclebar und nachhaltig.