Waste Watchers of Eastern Shore WINS $1K Grant!

Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore has been awarded a $1,000 grant in the Plastic Bag Recycling Category.  The KVB grant program focuses greater resources and attention on individual localities throughout the Commonwealth and how they are addressing the issues of litter prevention, recycling, waste reduction, beautification and education. In honor of Earth Month, Keep Virginia Beautiful (KVB) is awarding “30 Grants In 30 Days” in April, 2011.

Waste Watchers (WW) will establish a creative Plastic Bag Reducing/Recycling/Reusing Campaign through the use of signs in grocery store parking lots to remind shoppers to bring their own bags each time they shop.  In addition to signage, WW will create a relationship with larger retail merchants to provide reusable bags at reduced costs during the launch of this greatly needed plastic bag vs. reusable bag public awareness program throughout the entire Eastern Shore.  The “Did You Bring Your Bag” campaign hopes bring a greater connection with grocery store management.   Waste Watchers of the Eastern Shore has already made a big impact as they helped convince the counties- Accomack and Northampton to begin recycling plastic bags last year.  For information on Waste Watchers of The Eastern Shore and their project, contact Jenny O’Neill, [email protected] or (757) 787-7468.

KVB provided the opportunity for government, non-profit and/or service organizations in Virginia to apply for one of (30) $1,000 grants in three different categories: 10 grants for plastic bag reduction and recycling, 10 grants for cigarette litter prevention, and 10 grants for community greening and beautification.  These grants are made possible by KVB’s partners, Walmart and Waste Management.

The mission at Keep Virginia Beautiful is to engage and unite Virginians to improve our natural and scenic environment.  Our goals include becoming the leading statewide voice, providing a framework for improved communication and collaboration, cultivating and supporting sustainable programs, and engaging citizens by linking them to volunteer opportunities and information through these 5 impact areas:  Litter PreventionWaste ReductionRecycling,Beautification, and Environmental Education.