FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2003
CONTACT: Dee Ann Miller, (850) 245-2112
Florida Celebrates America Recycles Day
--Capitol city residents continue
commitment to environment--
TALLAHASSEE- Tallahassee citizens and state officials
gathered at the Florida Capitol today to celebrate America
Recycles Day, a national campaign that promotes responsible
recycling practices within the community. Hosted by the Florida
Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the event was one
of more than 900 celebrations scheduled nationwide.
“Waste reduction is not only vital to the sustainability of
Florida’s natural resources, it also makes economic sense,”
said DEP Deputy Secretary for Regulatory Programs and Energy
Allan Bedwell. “By taking personal responsibility for managing
our waste, we can reduce pollution and share the environmental
and financial benefits that accompany a viable recycling
industry.”
Exhibits and activities highlighted the principles of
recycling, reusing and reducing waste. While some participants
competed in a “Junk Yard Art” contest, others brought hard
bound books, printer and toner cartridges, cell phones,
rechargeable batteries and compact discs for recycling. Over the
last few years, recycling in Florida has reduced the volume of
waste disposed in landfills by almost one third. State employees’
commitment resulted in the recycling of over 2,000 tons of
office paper in Tallahassee alone – equivalent to saving
34,000 trees.
Winners of the “Recycle Guys Calendar” contest were also
announced during the festivities. Posters created by students
from the following schools were chosen for the 2004 calendar:
Equestrian Trails Elementary (Wellington), Acreage Pines
Elementary (Loxahatchee), St. Joseph’s Episcopal School
(Boynton Beach), Bak Middle School of the Arts (West Palm
Beach), Williams Middle Magnet School for International Studies
(Tampa), Deltona High (Deltona) and Florida State University
School (Tallahassee).
Now in its seventh year, America Recycles Day reminds all
Americans of our nation's sensitive natural resources and our
personal responsibilities as environmental stewards. Last year,
nearly one million Americans took the America Recycles Day
pledge to prevent and reduce waste.
To learn more about Florida’s America Recycles Day, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/waste/categories/recycling/default.htm
.
View pictures from the event.
-30-
Press Office
