“Win what?” you ask. . . how about a $100,000.00 grant for our community!  Several weeks ago I introduced you to Amanda Marks-Cunningham in my blog “A Friend at Waste Management”.  She is the Public Affairs Coordinator for Waste Management in this area and she has lots of exciting things in the works, including the GREEN CHOICES REYCYCLING CHALLENGE KICK OFF THIS SUNDAY JULY 1 AT THE BRIDGEPORT FARMER’S MARKET!

 

So what about this $100,000.00 grant?  One community from each state has been chosen to COMPETE for a $100,000 grant to be used on a program or project that promotes community sustainability.  That’s right, one (1) community from each state – and we are it - BRIDGEPORT is representing West Virginia.  SC Johnson, Waste Management and RecycleBank are sponsoring the SC JOHNSON GREEN CHOICES REYCYCLING CHALLENGE all in the name of increasing curbside recycling and decrease the amount of trash in our landfills.

 

So HOW DO WE WIN?  The challenge (or contest) runs from July 2, 2012 to December 31, 2012, and the participating community with the highest percentage of people REPORTING their recycling efforts each month will WIN the grant money.  To get started, go to www.Recyclebank.com/greenchoices- sign up, recycle and report it online each week!!! It’s that easy!  Still confused, have questions, or want to be a part in helping Bridgeport WIN?  Then come out this Sunday, July 1, 2012, to the Bridgeport Farmer’s Market at Charles Point for the GREEN CHOICES REYCYCLING CHALLENGE KICK OFF EVENT. The event isbeing put on by Waste Management in coordination with the Farmer’s Market, along with several other groups/organizations supporting green efforts.

 

According to Amanda Marks-Cunningham, this project has been in the planning stage for months and will now take place this Sunday in Bridgeport.  The goal of the event is to generate zero waste along with educating community members on how to participate in the challenge!  The event planners have worked closely with the vendors and other community organizations to pull off the event in the hopes of having little to nothing in the trash bins at the end of the event.  By having vendors and shoppers increase their recycling knowledge and habits, participating in composting, and reusing materials – zero waste can be achieved.  Reusable shopping bags (sponsored by Waste Management and Harvest to Hand) will be handed out to all shoppers as they enter and the “Green Patrol” will be working the event to make sure all the recycle bins are being used by shoppers and vendors correctly, trying to keep trash out of the garbage bins.  Waste Management will be there to answer questions about the event, the Green Choices Challenge, Recycle Bank, etc., and the West Virginia Solid Waste Authority will be on hand to distribute recycling bins (if you don’t recycle already) and educate people on what to do with all kinds of waste items.  It’s also not too late to sign up to take part in the event if you are a vendor.  To take part as a vendor, your group/organization must support green habits, sell organic products, be environmentally conscientious, or aim to educate the public about conservation issues.  If you are interested in being a vendor or having a booth, contact Amanda at Amarks1@wm.com. 

 

So come on out this Sunday and learn more about the Green Choices Challenge and what you can do to HELP BRIDGEPORT WIN!  If you can’t join us on Sunday, then go to www.Recyclebank.com/greenchoicesand sign up, start recycling and report your activity.  Not only will you help Bridgeport win this challenge and the $100,000 grant, but Recyclebank is a FREE program that rewards you for taking everyday green actions.  When you report YOU get earn points toward receiving discounts and deals at hundreds of local and national businesses – so you ultimately save money and win too!

 

I know how competitive our town can be, let’s show all the other states how we WIN!  The ultimate prize is a healthier, cleaner community, but a $100,000 grant would sure be something to brag about!  See you at the Farmer’s Market on Sunday!