Collecting rainwater with barrels is not a new idea, it has been around for thousands of years. Not only is it good for the environment, it can save you money. The use of rainwater combined with the domestic use of grey water can further increase your savings. Grey water is easily collected in the shower with a bucket or collecting the rinse water from your washer.  The fact that rainwater is naturally soft water alone will justify harvesting rainwater for some.  As municipalities tighten watering restriction, rainbarrels can save your expensive plants and shrubs in times of drought.
Use the rainwater collected in rain barrels for watering landscaping shrubbery, trees and gardens. Look for rainbarrels that have hose connections so you can use it directly from your rain barrel on your garden.