Creative & Colorful Environmental Contest Promotes Earth Day Education, Conservation

Competition Open to Students in Erie, Niagara Counties; 25 Schools Participated in 2013

ERIE COUNTY, NY— The Erie County Department of Environment & Planning (“DEP”) and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Buffalo, Inc. have announced that the  2014 Earth Day Rain Barrel painting contest is now open and taking registrations from interested schools, clubs, and youth organizations in Erie and Niagara counties. Working around the theme “Rainwater is a Resource, Not Just Runoff “, competing teams will design and paint their own rain barrels in a judged competition with prizes for the top four designs. In 2013, 25 area middle- and high schools took part in the inaugural competition, which served as both an observation of Earth Day and as a demonstration of a practical way for individuals to make an environmental difference in their own lives.

“This is an excellent way for students to learn about reducing pollution caused by stormwater runoff and the reuse of materials for conservation of our natural resources,” said Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz.  “We must protect and preserve our environment and natural resources for ourselves and for future generations, and it is encouraging to see young people taking an active role in doing so. These barrels are fun to design and paint, while also teaching a good lesson, and I want to thank the Department of Environment & Planning, Coca-Cola Bottling, and their partners for bringing the contest back in 2014.”

The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Buffalo, Inc. will donate the barrels and cash prizes ranging from $250-$750 for the top four designs. The completed rain barrels will be used to capture rain water at schools and other community locations and also to educate the public about reducing stormwater pollution in our local streams, rivers and lakes. 

“For the second consecutive year, we are excited to see the creativity of our community,” said Pat Greco, Director of Operations, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Buffalo, Inc. “Last year, we saw incredible artwork on display. This year, we are privileged to provide another opportunity to get more people interested in water conservation and sustainability, a core commitment at Coca-Cola.”

Erie County DEP is also partnering with the Western New York Stormwater Coalition and the Erie County Water Quality Committee to raise awareness of water pollution prevention through this fun and educational competition.  

For more information and to register for the 2014 Earth Day Rain Barrel Painting contest, visit

http://www2.erie.gov/environment/index.php?q=rain-barrel-contest