Even if you live some place that doesn’t get a lot of rain, there is plenty you can do with even small amounts of collected rainwater.

However if you live someplace where it tends to rain alot, (hello Seattle) there is even more incentive for you to collect rainwater. It is an idea that is as old as dirt, yet not many employ this fantastically Earth friendly path. Why not? It is free, it can be plentiful (yes, dependent on where you live) is relatively easy, and is just plain smart.

How to collect rainwater: 1. Use small buckets 2. Use rainwater specific rain barrels from a specialty store or home improvement retailer 3. Use a water tank

If you perform a simple Google search for rain barrels, the result brings you to several retailers that specialize in all types of rain barrels. To streamline your search for an eco rain barrel, type that exact phrase into Google.

How to use collected rainwater:

1. Water your lawn – this is probably the most widely used method of rainwater

2. Use it to flush your toilet – there is zero need to use fresh water to flush the commode

3. Water your indoor plants

4. Clean with it – do you really need to clean the bathroom sink with clean tap water? give harvested rainwater a go

5. For outdoor toy uses – instead of filling up toy water guns and water balloons with fresh tap water, use rainwater instead

I didn’t add drinking to the list, as the rainwater of today isn’t quite suitable for this. Some do use it in this matter, but it is important to purify collected rainwater before attempting to drink it.

Considering that the average American family goes through about 300 gallons a day, it is wise to start thinking about tomorrow and conserving today.

What other clever ways can you think of to use rainwater? If you’re an avid rainwater user, please weigh in below and feel free to share any good tips with us.