In the News

TribLocal Highland Park/Highwood, September 29, 2009
by the Chicago Tribune

Highwood's residents are hoping for rain—or at least to catch it in a barrel.

The city kicked off its rain barrel program at Oak Terrace School last week. The program will be a joint effort between the area schools and the local government to conserve water and make Highwood a greener city.

Coca Cola is providing the city with 300 rain barrels for the program. Oak Terrace Schools is receiving three of them.

The rain barrels attach to a building and catch rain water, which can be reused to water plants or other uses. A spout funnels the water into the barrel and a hose can then be attached to it.

A rain barrel can save most homeowners about 1,300 gallons of water during the peak summer months.

"It's really a partnership between the schools and government and business to ensure we are doing everything we can to preserve water," said Sen. Susan Garrett, D-Highwood, who helped organize the program.

Students from Oak Terrace School and St. James School brought home letters to their parents asking them to participate in the new program.

Coca Cola is also providing funding for kits to help barrels be assembled and delivered to Highwood homes and businesses.

The business rolled one of its hybrid electric delivery trucks into the school in honor of the rain barrel program's kick-off.

"Everyone should recycle at their homes," said Kevin Morris, who at Coca Cola and attended the kick-off. "We're delighted to be part of this and helping make a difference."

Students from Highland Park High School's Green School Initiative Club and city staff will assist with the barrel assembly, delivery and installation to homes of interested residents.

"Everyone around you is going to make a difference," Highwood Mayor Charlie Pecaro said to the students helping in the program. "It helps the environment, it helps your neighbors, and it helps the world."