FLORIDA STUDENTS PLEDGE TO RECYCLE

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For Immediate Release: Oct. 11, 2011

Contact: DEP Press Office, 850.245.2112, DEPNews@dep.state.fl.us


FLORIDA STUDENTS PLEDGE TO RECYCLE

~Contest encourages recycling and reducing waste in Florida~


Child Recycling

Student recycles at school in preparation for America Recycles Day.


TALLAHASSEE In recognition of America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, 2011, Florida students are promising to protect Florida’s environment by committing to recycling as part of the eighth annual Florida K-12 Schools Recycling Pledge Card Contest.
The contest, announced by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Recycle Florida Today, Publix Super Markets and Creative Recycling Systems, Inc., is designed to reward the three Florida schools that submit the greatest number of pledges per capita. By participating in the contest, schools are encouraging recycling and competing for a chance to win a refurbished computer. 
“By starting at a young age and getting involved in recycling, students can play a major role in helping Florida achieve its recycling goal of 75 percent by the year 2020,” said DEP Director of Waste Management Jorge Caspary. “This contest encourages Florida’s youth to take personal responsibility to manage waste and demonstrate environmental stewardship at school and at home.”
Florida’s 75 percent recycling goal for counties by 2020 is the highest recycling goal of any state in the nation. DEP encourages the public to assist in reaching this monumental goal by increasing recycling efforts and educating others. 
By completing the pledge cards, students and residents agree to:
  • Renew their personal commitment to recycling, and increase their recycling efforts at home, school and work.
  • Encourage others to recycle by serving as a recycling example in their neighborhoods.
  • Find out what materials they can and cannot recycle in their community.
  • Tell five friends that recycling is the easiest way to save resources.
  • Agree to participate in an additional recycling related effort.
The three schools with the highest number of pledges per capita will receive a gently used desktop computer, including a monitor, courtesy of Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. In addition, each individual who fills out a pledge card will be entered into a statewide drawing for either a $100 gift card, courtesy of Recycle Florida Today, or one of three $50 gift cards donated by Publix Super Markets.
In 2010, more than 9,000 Floridians took the pledge to recycle and buy more recycled products through this campaign. 
For more information:
75 Percent Recycling Goal -  www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/recyclinggoal75