Coca-Cola Bottling Company partners with Nose Creek Watershed Partnership on
water conservation with rain barrel distribution program

CALGARY, April 15 /CNW/ - Barrels that can be used to collect rainwater and help conserve a precious resource are now available through a partnership between the Nose Creek Watershed Partnership and Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The empty concentrate barrels will be donated to the Nose Creek Watershed Partnership, a longstanding advocate of water conservation, to be reused for collecting rainwater.

Rain barrels save money on water bills, conserve water during dry periods and prevent polluted run-off. The reuse of these 55-gallon barrels will not only help in the effort to protect local watersheds, but also avoid the energy consumed when the barrels are otherwise recycled.

"Nose Creek Watershed Partnership believes in the benefits of developing a partnership that focuses on protecting the environment by creating collaborative solutions," states Erin McMahon, Partnership Coordinator, Nose Creek Watershed Partnership. "Working with area businesses is essential for the long-term protection and enhancement of Nose Creek. By taking responsible action today, we will help prevent serious problems in the future."

This partnership also allows Coca-Cola Bottling Company to give new life to a by-product of their production process in a manner consistent with the company's corporate responsibility and sustainability efforts. "This partnership is aligned with our goal of establishing a water sustainable operation in which we minimize water use and have a water-neutral impact on local communities," said Timothy Scott, Regional Director, Supply Chain & Customer Service, Western Canada, Coca-Cola Bottling Company. "The conversion of our concentrate barrels into rainwater harvesting containers adds yet another layer to our ongoing efforts to reuse, renew and recycle resources across all facets of our business."

In March 2010, Coca-Cola Bottling Company kicked off this partnership by donating an initial fifty (50) of its barrels to Nose Creek Watershed Partnership and Winston Heights Mountview Community Association's first Eco-Fair on April 24th to celebrate Earth Week in the community. These 55-gallon rain barrels will sell for $15.00 plus a commitment of four (4) hours of volunteer time for community projects and events. Volunteers can choose how and when they want to volunteer, as long as the commitment is fulfilled by March 2011. Not only will participants be helping the environment but also making a difference in their community.

The Eco-Fair takes place at Winston Heights Mountview Community Hall at 520, 27 Avenue, NE, Calgary, AB from 10am to 2pm. For more information, please visit http://winstonheights.ca/.

About Nose Creek Watershed Partnership

The Nose Creek Watershed Partnership was formed in December of 1998 as a partnership of municipal districts including the City of Calgary, The City of Airdrie, County (formerly Municipal District) of Rocky View and later expanded to include the Town of Crossfield and the Calgary Airport Authority. The NCWP is supported by Alberta Environment, the Bow River Basin Council, Cows and Fish, the University of Calgary and Trout Unlimited Canada. The goal is to work together to protect riparian areas and improve water quality in the Nose Creek Watershed. The improvement strategy includes: sustainable development practices being implemented in the watershed, monitoring riparian health and water quality and quantity and initiating stewardship activities with all stakeholders, including individuals and groups residing in the watershed.

About Coca-Cola Bottling Company

Coca-Cola Bottling Company, a wholly-owned operating division of Coca-Cola Enterprises Inc., operates in all 10 provinces and employs 6,000 people across Canada, of which over 700 are in Alberta. The company produces, sells and/or distributes a full range of sparkling and still beverages, including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero, diet Coke, caffeine free diet Coca-Cola, Sprite, diet Sprite Zero, Five Alive, Fruitopia, Fresca, Barq's root beer, Cplus beverages, Fanta, Nestea ice teas, AriZona iced teas, POWERaDE sports drinks, Monster, Full Throttle, glacéau smartwater and vitaminwater, Evian, DASANI remineralized water, FUZE, V8 vegetable and fruit juices, and Minute Maid 100% juices.

For further information: Baljit Lalli, Coca-Cola Bottling Company, [phone], [email protected]; Erin McMahon, Nose Creek Watershed Partnership, [phone], [email protected]