 "We constantly are searching
for new and creative ways to encourage
conservation and green construction practices," said Illinois
Transportation Secretary Gary Hannig. "The IDOT Rain Barrel Design
Competition is one way to get our youngest generation involved."
Starting Jan. 19, elementary school districts across the state
received, via e-mail, a blank template of a rain barrel's exterior
for the students to decorate. Winning entries will be chosen by IDOT
based on which designs best promote water reuse. Creativity and
artistic quality also will be considered. Schools interested in
receiving more information can contact Steve Massey, IDOT's
sustainable practices manager, at 815-434-8414 or steve.massey@illinois.gov.
The deadline for submissions is March 7.
Students who decorate and install their rain barrels will be
acknowledged by IDOT during Earth Day festivities April 22.
The contest idea earned IDOT a Green Government Award from the
Illinois Green Governments Coordinating Council at the annual
Sustainable Government Symposium in Springfield in December. The
award, based on demonstrating an exceptional commitment to improving
the environmental quality of Illinois, was in the Water Quality &
Conservation category.
Illinois Correctional Industries, a division of the Illinois
Department of Corrections, as part of their expansive recycling
programs, is donating the rain barrels -- previously used to store
liquid hand soap -- at no cost to taxpayers.
[Text from
Illinois
Department of Transportation file]
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