10 Local Philadelphia Schools to Receive Recyclebank Green Schools Program Grants

(3BL Media) Philadelphia, PA - April 12, 2012 - The City of Philadelphia announced that 10 local schools will be the recipient of grants from the Recyclebank Green Schools Program, which awards schools grant money for unique student projects that will green their classrooms and communities. Yesterday, representatives from program partners presented one of the participating schools, the Henry C. Lea Elementary School, with a check to fund its green school project, the planting of a community garden. Event speakers included Richard Negrin, managing director, Clarena Tolson, streets commissioner, Philadelphia Streets Department, Dr. Lisa Bell-Chiles, principal of Henry C. Lea Elementary, Denise Diorio McVeigh, Recyclebank Philadelphia account manager and Curtis Etherly, director for public affairs & communications at Coca-Cola Refreshments.

The Recyclebank Green Schools program is designed to empower youth to become green heroes and make a positive green impact in their communities. It is associated with the Philadelphia Recycling Rewards program - a partnership between the Streets Department and Recyclebank^® that allows residents with City-provided recycling collection to earn points for the amount they recycle and reduce trash. This spring, the Recyclebank Green Schools program will award environmental project grants to ten schools across the city, grades K-12. Schools accepted into the Green Schools program earned money based on Recyclebank point donations made to their project—thereby turning a community’s green actions into funds for a local school. A critical program partner is Coca-Cola Live Positively, who helped schools in Philadelphia and across the U.S. meet their target grant goal and make their green project ideas a reality.

“This is a proud day for the City of Philadelphia, as we are awarding ten local schools the opportunity to turn their visions for greening our schools and communities into a reality,” said Richard Negrin, Managing Director of the City of Philadelphia. “Together with our long-standing partner Recyclebank, we are empowering our youth to collectively make a positive impact on the environment via their thoughtful and creative green projects. Special thanks to Coca-Cola Live Positively for stepping in and ensuring that every school receives a grant this year.”

The Henry C. Lea School will use its grant to build six raised beds made of wood from local suppliers for a community garden. Students, teachers, parents and caretakers will work together to help build the raised beds. The school’s existing garden will also receive several tomato plants and cages for cultivation.

“The Streets Department is very proud to be a part of a program that rewards students for being environmental stewards,” said Streets Commissioner Clarena Tolson. “All 10 schools should be commended for their green initiatives and innovative ideas. In particular, Henry C. Lea Elementary School, who was the first school to achieve its target goal.  These ‘green heroes’ are making a positive impact at their schools and in their community.”

Other notable green projects from Philadelphia schools include:

• The James Rhoads School – The ‘New Roots for Better Fruits’ program is designed to empower students to make confident, positive eating choices. The project entails a new, edible vegetation garden in the school yard that will benefit needy and elderly people.
• John Story Jenks Elementary School – A school-wide recycling program that will be fun and convenient for the school and users of the playground. The program will consist of containers for the classrooms, offices, and playground, plus transfer bins for securing the recyclables for pick-up. The goal is to see at least 20 percent of the garbage reduced. 
• John Bartram High School – A student-run garden on campus that will help meet the school’s goal of creating more community-friendly green spaces that foster healthy relationships with people and food. The fruits and vegetables grown in the garden will be made available to the community through farm stands. 

“We are proud to partner with Recyclebank's Green Schools program and its progressive efforts to help teach students how to be more environmentally conscious," said Curtis Etherly, director for public affairs & communications at Coca-Cola Refreshments. "Supporting our future environmental leaders is a goal that resonates with Coca-Cola's Live Positively commitment to make a positive difference in communities through increased awareness and action. We are pleased to support the initiatives of these Philadelphia schools as they implement their green goals and encourage students to adopt more sustainable behaviors.”

LIVE POSITIVELY™ is Coca-Cola’s commitment to making a positive difference in the world. Through redesigning the way we work and live, we consider sustainability as part of everything we do. As we act with an eye toward future generations, we will focus on driving business growth and creating a more sustainable world. LIVE POSITIVELY focuses on seven core areas key to our business sustainability: Energy Efficiency and Climate Protection, Water Stewardship, Sustainable Packaging, Beverage Benefits, Active Healthy Living, Workplace, and Community.

“At Recyclebank, we firmly believe that change begins at the community level. With our Green Schools program, we are empowering students and communities to work together towards creating a greener and healthier planet,” said Denise Diorio McVeigh, Recyclebank Philadelphia account manager. “The accomplishments of the City of Philadelphia are a prime example of a community in action. Together with our partner Coca-Cola Live Positively, we are thrilled to support ten schools’ efforts to green the city.”

To learn more about the Recyclebank Green Schools program, visit http://www.recyclebank.com/greenschools

To learn more about Philadelphia Recycling Rewards, visit http://www.phillyrecyclingpays.com

ABOUT RECYCLEBANK
Recyclebank helps create a more sustainable future by rewarding people for taking everyday green actions with discounts and deals from more than 3,000 local and national businesses. Through its online platform and partnerships with municipalities, haulers, small businesses and corporate brands, Recyclebank is empowering individuals to make a collective impact on the environment by increasing household recycling, reducing household energy usage and taking other environmentally-preferred actions. A Certified B Corporation, Recyclebank has been recognized as a Technology Pioneer by the World Economic Forum, a Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme and for Outstanding Excellence in Public/Private Partnerships from the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Recyclebank is headquartered in New York City. For more information, visit www.Recyclebank.com.