Free Rain Barrels Available Through New Partnership

August 2008 --The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay is offering free 55-gallon barrels to local watershed organizations and environmental education groups through a partnership with Baltimore Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Rain barrels save money on water bills by collecting rain water that can be used for plants and gardens. By intercepting rain before it flows off a property, rain barrels also reduce polluted runoff to local streams, storm drains and the Bay.

Reuse of these barrels not only helps the Alliance’s efforts to protect the Bay, but also saves energy by cutting down on the amount of barrels Coca-Cola has to recycle.

So far, Coca-Cola Bottling Company has donated more than 250 Coca-Cola syrup barrels to the Alliance. Those interested in obtaining free rain barrels can call the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay at (410) 377-6270.