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media type="youtube" key="HamURhj_S3E" height="344" width="425"
("YouTube," 2007) This video demonstrates the positive aspects of rain barrels which include clean water, helping the environment, and saving money on your water bill. This video also shows how easy it is to install a rain barrel.

//What problem(s) is it trying to address?//
==== Using a rain barrel helps to conserve water therefore saving both money and the environment. It saves money because you do not need to get water from the faucet or hose as often therfore saving money on the water bill. It saves the environment because it recycles water, rather than using energy to pump water into the water system. ====

//When is it useful?//
==== The water saved from rain barrels can be used for numerous things such as watering plants or washing your car and windows. It is especially helpful if you live in a warm, dry climate and it does not rain often. ("What is a," 2009) ==== //How does it relate to one or more of the nutrient cycles discussed in class?// Rain barrels relate the the water cycle. The rain barrels collect the precipitation which decreases the amount of run-off. When you use the water to water your plants or wash your car or windows that water then evaporates or transpirates. Then condensation occurs which leads to precipitation and the cycle begins again. //Is it a viable solution to protect the biosphere?// Rain barrels are is a viable solution to protect the biosphere. It helps save energy that is used to treat tap water ("What is a," 2009). It also helps save save energy that is used to pump water into your house. "A rain barrel will save most homeowners about 1,300 GALLONS of water during the peak summer months" ("What is a," 2009). //What are the possible consequences to the environment?// A possible consequence to the environment is the materials used to create the rain barrels. Most rain barrels are made out of plastic or metal, this negatively impacts the environment.

(2009, August). What is a Rain Barrel. Retrieved from []
(2007, August 6). Watering. Retrieved from http://www.fluvannamg.org/vce/2007/watering.htm (2007, October 08). YouTube. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HamURhj_S3E&feature=related

("Watering," 2007) This photo shows how water is collected through the gutter system from the roof. The water is collected in a plastic rain barrel and can be used through a spout on the rain barrel.