Roll Out the Barrels is historically an annual event raising awareness of stormwater runoff, water pollution, and water conservation, all while promoting local artists and supporting environmental education.
Local artists turn ordinary, 55-gallon rain barrels into beautiful pieces of functional art to be auctioned off in support of the Athens Green School Program, an initiative to ensure environmental education is taught in the classroom. Since the first event in 2011, Roll Out the Barrels has raised over $30,000 for local artists and environmental education.
Why Rain Barrels?
Water pollution is a serious problem in Athens-Clarke County and green infrastructure, such as rain barrels and other rainwater harvesters, are an important component in addressing that problem. Rain barrels are easy to install and can be used to protect water by both reducing stormwater runoff and reducing the need to pull from city water supplies for lawn-care and car washing.