The Green Atoms will be hosting a rain barrel workshop on Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. in the cafeteria to promote water conservation.
In order to participate in the event, registration must be completed along with a $55 transaction three days prior to the event on Oct. 10. The payment will provide the proper items needed to build a rain barrel on the workshop day. During the event, participants will learn how to build, install and maintain a rain barrel.
“I am very excited for this event because it is something new and different from what the Green Atoms normally does and the events usually hosted here at Annandale,” Green Atoms sponsor and French teacher Joelle Rudney said. “It would be nice to see a lot of people who are interested to come to the event and learn about little changes you can do that can make a large impact in the environment.”
The rain barrels are made from recycled pickle and olive barrels and hold up to 55 gallons of water. The size is approximately 23 inches wide and the height ranges from 41.25 inches to 43.75 inches. A rain barrel collects water from the roof by being placed under a downspout. One of the major uses of a rain barrel is to use the collected rainwater for plants.
“I love getting involved and making a difference,” junior and Green Atoms officer Suzy Laime said. “I am interested in making a barrel myself, because it is a great investment.”
There are currently two rain barrels for use in AHS’s organic garden, however both need repairs. The two rain barrels will be repaired during the workshop day, and will then use the collected rainwater for the crops growing in the garden.
“It makes no sense to not use rain to water plants in the garden,” Rudney said. “From having these rain barrels, we will conserve water and money.”
Students and staff members are encouraged to participate in the event. Visit the website http://arlingtonenvironment.org/barrel/ in order to register and pay the $55 fee for the materials to build the rain barrel. Also, contact Rudney in M-24 for any other questions regarding the event.
“This rain barrel workshop is a great idea knowing that we got the community involved in a convenient and smart way to help the environment,” sophomore Aniqa Rashid and Green Atoms officer said. “I feel a great sense of satisfaction just because of all the actions we are taking that are making an impact.”
