If you're looking for an easy way to save money and the environment, collecting rain water is a good place to start.

Bill Bravin spent 32 years as a jr. high teacher in Hollidaysburg, Blair County. After retirement, he started teaching his neighbors how to conserve water.

His system is simple. Rain hits his roof and runs down the spouts. Then he sends it to a series of barrels. He can collect it with a bucket, or use a hose.

He has 250 gallons of water to work with after a 10 minute rain shower. He uses the water for his flowers and plants. And the water he doesn't use, he sends to his neighbors.

Bravin says you could build a similar system at your home for about $50. The most expensive part is the rain barrel. If you want to hook up a hose, use gravity to increase water pressure. And make sure you put screens over any open barrels to keep out the mosquitos.
With a few simple steps, you'll be singing and watering in the rain.