One of the easiest ways to live greener is by reducing the resources you consume. Fortunately using less water is pretty easily—and beautifully—achieved. Why waste municipal water on your lawn or garden? Harvesting rainwater to use is much better for the environment as it both prevents runoff from flooding local streams, rivers or lakes, and means home water usage (which needs to be piped in or taken from a well) is reduced. Check out these awesome creative rainwater harvesting systems…from the crazy expensive to the nearly free.

RainXchange

This rainwater harvesting system from Aquascape fixes the ugly epidemic of many commercial rain barrels. Instead of having the barrels attached to your gutter, this system is a filtration cistern that hides your water underground…all you and your guests see is a beautiful water feature!

All Wrapped Up

Michelle Kauffmann is the princess of prefab. She has a truly unique idea to take any ugly ole rain barrel, wrap it with some wire mesh, and grow beautiful vines around it! Plant some flowers in a pot and set them on top of it for a cheap and beautifully hidden rain barrel that is worthy of any garden. Check out Michelle’s how-to video on this great project too!

One of the easiest ways to live greener is by reducing the resources you consume. Fortunately using less water is pretty easily—and beautifully—achieved. Why waste municipal water on your lawn or garden? Harvesting rainwater to use is much better for the environment as it both prevents runoff from flooding local streams, rivers or lakes, and means home water usage (which needs to be piped in or taken from a well) is reduced. Check out these awesome creative rainwater harvesting systems…from the crazy expensive to the nearly free.

RainXchange

This rainwater harvesting system from Aquascape fixes the ugly epidemic of many commercial rain barrels. Instead of having the barrels attached to your gutter, this system is a filtration cistern that hides your water underground…all you and your guests see is a beautiful water feature!

All Wrapped Up

Michelle Kauffmann is the princess of prefab. She has a truly unique idea to take any ugly ole rain barrel, wrap it with some wire mesh, and grow beautiful vines around it! Plant some flowers in a pot and set them on top of it for a cheap and beautifully hidden rain barrel that is worthy of any garden. Check out Michelle’s how-to video on this great project too!

Second Rain

Jumping back over to the pricier side of things, Groovy Green shares the Second Rain rainwater harvesting system. At only a 40 gallon capacity and $299 per container, this system is both more expensive and a lesser volume than other options. But hey, at least it fits right into your deck or patio!

Repurpose an Old Wooden Wine Barrel

If you live in whiskey or wine country, you’ll probably find it easy to procure an old wooden barrel. Wooden barrels make uber cheap and quite attractive rain barrels. Converting them is easy and you can find tons of videos and plans with a simple google search.

[Image source: http://lincolngreenscene.ning.com/photo/img-0881?context=user]

If you’re a DIYer, check out this idea at The Fun Times Guide to Living Green.

>> Check out the "Seven of the Coolest, Greenest Recycled Buildings" for more green design marvels!