Dillard, Coke partner on Gentilly environmental projects

On April 23, in celebration of Earth Month, more than 60 Coca-Cola employees from across the country will join members of the Dillard University community to host a rain barrel workshop and break ground on a new school garden for Medard H. Nelson Charter School.

The new garden is the first of three that the Dillard University Office of Community Relations is sponsoring in the local community this year. It is designed to operate as an outdoor classroom, teaching students the process and the importance of fresh foods and vegetables.

“School gardens offer new learning experiences, teach students about nutrition, and even provide healthy food for local families,” said Nick Harris, director of the Office of Community Relations. “This program gives elementary school students the opportunity to work with Dillard undergrads and establish positive mentoring relationships.”

The service day also includes a rain barrel workshop that emphasizes water sustainability and teaches attendees how to make their own rain barrels. Coca-Cola is donating 60 of its syrup barrels, which volunteers will convert to rain barrels using special conversion kits and instructions from Coca-Cola trainers.

Rain barrels collect rainwater that normally flows off property, helping users save money on water bills, conserve water during dry periods and prevent polluted runoff into local watersheds.

This article originally published in the April 22, 2013 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.