DEP RECOGNIZES CEDAR KEY SCHOOL FOR PUTTING RECYCLING FIRST

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MEDIA ADVISORY: March 16, 2012

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

DEP RECOGNIZES CEDAR KEY SCHOOL FOR PUTTING RECYCLING FIRST

~School submitted more than 550 recycling pledges for America Recycles Day contest~

cedarkey

Shannan Reynolds, Florida American Recycles Day Coordinator, presents a certificate to Cedar Key School Principal Sue Ice and Tom Deverin of the Cedar Key Energy Advisory Panel for the school's commitment to recycling.


CEDAR KEY – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) today recognized Cedar Key School for its commitment to protecting and preserving Florida’s natural resources by winning the statewide K-12 Recycling Pledge Card Contest. Across Florida, more than 6,600 participants pledged to adopt conscientious living habits such as reusing, recycling, buying recycled products and encouraging others to develop these important habits in 2012. DEP, Recycle Florida Today, Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. and Publix Super Markets hosted the contest to recognize Florida schools for outstanding environmental commitment.
“Recycling is an important and easy way for citizens to reduce waste and protect Florida's valuable natural resources, including our waterbodies,” said DEP Division of Waste Management Director Jorge Caspary, P.G. “I am pleased to see students from Cedar Key School setting an example and leading the way to a cleaner, safer and healthier environment by pledging to recycle.”
DEP officials visited Cedar Key School today to award the school with a refurbished computer, courtesy of Creative Recycling Systems, Inc., for the school’s pledge of environmental stewardship. With more than 550 recycling pledges submitted from students, friends and family in 2011, Cedar Key School submitted the second highest number of pledges per capita statewide. DEP also held a recycling event at the school, collecting 1,280 plastic bags, nine cellular phones and 18 chargers for proper disposal or donation. 
“Cedar Key School is thrilled to have been able to participate in the America Recycles Day Contest. We take our recycling programs seriously, recycling paper, plastic and aluminum cans,” said Cedar Key School principal Sue Ice. “Our thanks go to Recycle Florida Today, Creative Recycling Systems, Inc. and Publix Super Markets as well as the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for hosting this fun and educational event.” 
Cedar Key School was one of three Florida schools that submitted the greatest number of pledge cards per capita, each receiving a refurbished computer. All pledges were entered into a statewide America Recycles Day drawing and eligible for one of six $50 gift certificates donated by Publix and three $100 gift cards courtesy of Recycle Florida Today. Florida celebrates America Recycles Day each November to encourage residents to make the world a better place by reducing waste. 
For more information about recycling, visit www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling.
Contact your local county recycling coordinator to learn where to recycle in your community, by visiting http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories.