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America Recycles Day 2019

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We frequently preach the 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The less litter we create, you see, the less litter ends up on our roadways and scenic places.

It’s simple – don’t make trash.

Since there are some things that must be thrown away, we always encourage that last R: Recycle. But some localities are beginning to have a problem with that. As more and more folks embrace the importance of litter prevention and waste reduction, those tasked with processing our recycling are beginning to weigh the cost/benefit of curbside recycling programs.

Virginia’s Department of Environmental Quality recently reported that we’re doing a bang-up job of recycling things. The rate of recycling in the Commonwealth rose from 42% to 46% over the last year. The largest curbside recycling firm in our region is Central Virginia Waste Management Authority, and in 2018 they processed over 651,000 tons of material!

On November 15th of each year, we follow the lead of our parent organization, Keep America Beautiful, and put a spotlight on this issue with America Recycles Day. As we have for several years, we joined our friends at the Retail Merchants Association in Richmond for a convenient drive-through recycling event. Folks could reduce their household clutter, donate goods and clothing to be reused, and recycle materials to keep them out of a landfill somewhere. In addition to paper shredding, we processed 250 pounds of clothing, and 3,200 pounds of various electronics. This included computers, laptops, television sets, and more.

And we weren’t alone.

Across town in Powhatan, an event at Goodwill braved colder temperatures to take in 5,200 pounds of electronics, a lot of cardboard, 3,500 pounds of textiles, and 1,800 pounds of furniture. Several truckloads of those materials went to Habitat for Humanity.

We won’t recycle our way out of our litter problem, but numbers like these tell the powers-that-be that we’re not stopping anytime soon.

R- Clean Fairfax Project Site Pic 01

Clean Fairfax Nets 30 in Thirty

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Clean Fairfax County has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $1000 for its Recycling project.

Government, non-profit, civic and service organizations in Virginia were invited to apply for grants for $500 to $1,000 describing how they plan to tackle an environmental concern in their community regarding Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification. These grants are being awarded daily during the month of June. Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

Clean Fairfax works to reduce littering and increase recycling, reusing, and reducing consumption through public outreach, community cleanups and adopt-a-spots. The organization has partnered with Reston Farmers Market in an effort to reduce the amount of plastic consumption. With their funding, Clean Fairfax will purchase reusable produce bags to provide for shoppers instead of disposable produce bags. By replacing the plastic bags, Clean Fairfax and Reston Farmers Market are encouraging the adoption of sustainable practices throughout the County.

 

 

Cozy

Keep Virginia Cozy Wins Recycling Green Grant

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We’re lucky to have affiliate groups – both official and ad hoc – across the Commonwealth who are committed to our mission. Like us, most of them are volunteer driven. During the month of June, we’re awarding 30 of these groups with Green Grants so that they can expand their work. Government, non-profit, civic and service organizations in Virginia were invited to apply for grants for $500 to $1,000 describing how they plan to tackle an environmental concern in their community regarding Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

Today, Keep Virginia Cozy Inc. in Richmond has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $750 for its Recycling project. Keep Virginia Cozy is a nonprofit volunteer organization dedicated to keeping Virginia clean and cozy. Beginning in the George Washington National Forest, the organization hopes to increase recycling in public areas and lands. Much of the litter that people bring to the trail heads are water bottles and other recyclables. Keep Virginia Cozy is going to use Green Grant funds to build and provide areas for those recyclables to be disposed of properly, rather than ending up in the landfill.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

B- Dickenson County Chamber Project Site Pic 01

Dickenson County gets Grant for Beautification

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Dickenson County Chamber in the Town of Clintwood has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $1000 for its Community Beautification project. The Chamber is responsible for business marketing, information, and workshops within the Dickenson County community. The organization recently received a LOVE sign from Virginia Tourism to place in front of their Visitor Center. The Chamber will use their grant funding to plant a garden and some small trees around their new LOVE sign, so people will have a place to sit and enjoy the peacefulness of the visitor center. The garden will also be a beautiful site for visitors and citizens of the community when driving through town.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

Seeds

Seeds of Change wins Green Grant for Litter Prevention

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The Seeds of Change Organization in Richmond has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $500 for its Litter Prevention project.

The Seeds of Change Organization is dedicated to supporting urban communities through agricultural practices. Currently, Seeds of Change is working on a Biggs Road Community Garden, located in Richmond’s 8th District. The organization will use their grant to reduce the amount of litter found in this area by installing pet waste stations, trash cans, and recycling bins. Neighbors, visitors, and dog-walkers will be able to keep the green space clean and beautiful.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

C- Virginia Department of Environmental Quality Project Site Pic

Department of Environmental Quality wins for Skate Park Litter

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Virginia Department of Environmental Quality – Northern Regional Office (DEQ) in Woodbridge, has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $500 for its Cigarette Litter Prevention project. DEQ’s mission is to protect and enhance Virginia’s environment, and promote the health and well-being of the citizens of the Commonwealth. The organization will use their grant funding to combat cigarette litter in a skate park at Veteran’s Memorial Park. DEQ will purchase cigarette disposal receptacles and educational signs to place throughout the park. The park staff will empty and maintain the receptacles, including participation in a free Cigarette Waste Recycling Program.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

 

VB Rescue

Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue to Beautify with Green Grant

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We are awarding our annual “30 in Thirty Green Grants” daily during the month of June. Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $1000 for its Community Beautification project. The Virginia Beach Volunteer Rescue Squad provides free emergency medical services by staffing two stations, 24 hours a day. They plan to create a community garden on the side of their oceanfront station, near the entrance to a meeting room they offer for use to civic leagues and many other community groups. They envision that this area will serve as a community gathering spot where people can meet and interact with their rescue squad, and where hardworking volunteers of the organization can relax and enjoy. The funds provided by us will be used to purchase large plant pots, butterfly-friendly plants, and a picnic table for the space.

R- Albemarle County Public Schools Project Pic

Albemarle Schools win Green Grant for Recycling

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Albemarle County Public Schools (ACPS) in Charlottesville has been awarded a 30 in Thirty Green Grant of $1000 for its Recycling project. Government, non-profit, civic and service organizations in Virginia were invited to apply for grants for $500 to $1,000 describing how they plan to tackle an environmental concern in their community regarding Litter Prevention, Recycling, Cigarette Litter Prevention, or Community Beautification.

ACPS serves approximately 14,000 students in preschool through grade 12 in Albemarle County, Virginia. The county has increased recycling participation by placing recycling bins in half of their twenty-six schools. With the grant funding from us, ACPS will purchase more classroom recycling bins to be distributed to six of their elementary schools.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

C- Friends of Peak Creek Project Site Pic 01

Friends of Peak Creek win big for Litter Prevention!

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We are celebrating June by giving away a 30 in Thirty Green Grant each day of the month. Today’s winner is Friends of Peak Creek, Inc. in Pulaski, who have been awarded a grant of $500 for its Cigarette Litter Prevention project.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

Friends of Peak Creek, Inc. is a volunteer organization dedicated to protecting, preserving, and enhancing the Peak Creek Watershed. The grant funds will go towards the organization’s project called, “Stash Your Ash.” Friends of Peak Creek, Inc. will place commercial cigarette butt receptacles throughout the town of Pulaski in order to reduce cigarette litter. Educational materials about cigarette butt litter will also be posted on their website, social media platforms, and local newspapers.

B- Hanover Arts #1

Hanover Arts & Activities Wins a Grand

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Hanover Arts and Activities Center, in Ashland, will receive a 30 in Thirty Green Grant award of $1000 for its Beautification project.

Since 2011, we have provided $203,000 for 260 different environmental projects and programs all across the Commonwealth, due to the generosity this year of our partner Altria, as well as additional support from Keep America Beautiful and Coca-Cola.

Hanover Arts and Activities Center is a public nonprofit community arts, education, and activities center. The Center’s plan is to better utilize the green space in front of their building to encourage the surrounding community to enjoy it. They will create a garden with four separate beds, three with native Virginia plants. The final bed will be a space for community members to plant flowers in memory of a loved one. The garden will include a wheelchair-accessible path and bench to encourage the community to pause and enjoy the beauty of their surroundings. Funds received from us will be used to purchase plants and material for the garden.

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