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Students To Pledge To Pitch In On Recycling

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By JESSICA BAIR, The Suncoast News

Published: November 14, 2007

Young folks in Florida are being asked to take the pledge - to recycle.

In recognition of America Recycles Day on Thursday, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is partnering with Recycle Florida Today and Creative Recycling Systems for the fourth annual Florida Schools Recycling Pledge Card Contest.

The competition rewards elementary, middle and high school classes that submit the most recycling pledge cards. By completing a card, students promise to do more to protect the environment through recycling and to help their class win a refurbished computer.

"Recycling helps reduce waste, which is vital to preserving Florida's natural resources and protecting our environment," said Mary Jean Yon, director of waste management for the Department of Environmental Protection.

"This contest encourages Florida's youth to take personal responsibility to manage waste and demonstrate environmental stewardship at school and at home," Yon said.

The class with the most pledges at its level will receive a desktop computer and monitor from Creative Recycling Systems. The winning class also will receive a pizza party, courtesy of Recycle Florida Today.

The organization has donated a $100 gift certificate to be given away in a statewide drawing for students who submit a pledge card.

Many Pasco County schools already hold recycling drives for old batteries, paper and other items.

In 2006, more than 8,300 elementary, middle and high school students and more than 12,000 Floridians took the pledge to recycle and buy more recycled products, according to DEP.

For information on taking the pledge, visit www.dep .state.fl.us and select "recycling" from the subject menu.

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