Energy-Saving Project for the Weekend Warrior

Go green and boost your greenery with a rain barrel.

Are you a weekend warrior? If you’re considering home improvement upgrades that save energy and money, we’ve got a project idea for you—bonus: it can be completed in a day or less!

If you’ve got a green thumb, you already know that rainwater is the best water for your outdoor plants. Rainwater is free of minerals, salts and treatment chemicals found in tap water or groundwater. It also contains helpful macronutrients to foster healthy plant growth.

Installing a rain barrel is an easy way to harvest large amounts of rainwater and reduce home water use—it’s a win-win. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, one rain barrel can save a homeowner 1,300 gallons of water annually.

Most residential rain barrels range in size from 50 to 90 gallons, so the size you purchase will depend on your watering needs. The simplest way to install a rain barrel is positioning a plastic or wooden barrel directly under your gutter downspout. Basic piping may be required, but this is an easy way to harvest rainwater, and the barrel won’t take up much space. Consider a cover for the top of your rain barrel to keep insects and small debris out of your harvested water.

This is a simple idea to help you save energy and money. So, get out there, roll up those sleeves and tackle a few projects like this one!