WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-Pennies from heaven

North Hero, Vermont - October 15, 2010

Even when the wind and rain make Lake Champlain look more like the Atlantic Ocean, to Jack Miller, the weather is just pennies from heaven.

For more than 10 years, he's been making rain barrels in his home workshop in North Hero. They're most popular in communities out of state with strict water-use rules that prevent car washing and sprinklers on certain days.

"Water conservation is a big thing," he said.

Jack's Rain Barrels start out as industrial food containers. European companies ship olives and peppers to the United States in 55 gallon drums, often from the Mediterranean.

"Don't ask me what (the writing) stands for, because I don't speak Greek," Miller said. "It's Greek to me!"

After gourmet labels repack the produce, they have no use for the drums. "So we pick them up and bring them here!" Miller said.

Miller drills holes in the barrels and then has to literally dive headfirst into his to work to install the spigots.

Reporter Jack Thurston: So Jack, does it smell like olives in there?

Jack Miller: Yes, it does!

Thurston: Is that a good thing?

Miller: Yes!

This is a retirement business. Jack Miller spent his career building homes. "I'm not one to sit around, as the wife can attest to," he said.

And he's not one to waste things. "We throw way too much stuff away that can be utilized for other purposes," Miller said.

Thurston: So, I found this in your shop. This looks familiar to me.

Miller: Right.

Thurston: What did this used to be?

Miller: It used to be a highway sign.

Thurston: And what are you going to use it for?

Miller: I'm going to use it to make washers.

Those traffic signs-turned-washers go as part of the rain barrels to customers all across the country, both direct and wholesaled through garden centers.

"Jack's Rain Barrels-- Made in Vermont from recycled materials," read Ruth Miller, as she affixed a sticker to a barrel.

This state's reputation for environmental protection-- and rough weather-- drives Jack Miller and his made in Vermont rain barrels. "It's Vermont ingenuity!" he chuckled.

Miller also makes composters. He sells his rain barrels on eBay for $60. A full list of stores is available on his website.

Jack Thurston - WCAX News - Made in Vermont