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Sigh..."If only I could drive. I'd buy a car and get one of those Litterbug license plates!"
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Just Spotted! Pennsylvania's COOLEST
License Plate!
PRC is pleased to announce that PennDot will produce a Litterbug Specialty License Plate featuring the internationally recognized Litterbug character and phrase "Don't Be A Litterbug."
"In 1952, PRC created the Litterbug character, which has become an extremely popular and highly recognized mascot for our organization," according to PRC Regional Director Dave Mazza. "We're pleased to offer those concerned about the environment an opportunity to display this visual reminder of their support to inspire others to properly dispose of their trash."
Cost for the specialty plate is $45, which covers the fees due to PennDot and the PA Corrections Dept. for issuing and producing each plate. Click here for an application and instructions to order your "Don't Be A Litterbug" specialty license plate. For more information contact PRC at 412-488-7490 ext. 246 or donnam@ccicenter.org.
What to do with the old license plate when that new Litterbug specialty license plate arrives? Send it to PRC, 64 South 14th Street, Pittsburgh PA 15203, and we'll donate it for reuse to Littlearth, the company that introduced the world to "ecofashion". Littlearth can also turn your plate into a one-of-a-kind handbag, photo album or CD holder. Visit Littlearth's website for more information.
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Congratulations Winners of the 2010 Lens on Litter Contest  The 25th Annual Lens on Litter Contest received a spectacular response from Pennsylvania residents. Photos came in from across the state and were placed into 2 categories: school children and adults. Judging was conducted at PRC's Environmental Living Center in Newtown Square, PA, and the winners are: School Children 1st Place: Georgia Weaver, Dillsburg 2nd Place: Linsay Bittinger, Reading 3rd Place: Ashley Funk, Mount Pleasant Peoples Choice: Kristen Miller, Penn Trafford Adults 1st Place: Cathy Bittinger, Reading 2nd Place: Rod Fye, State College 3rd Place: Melissa Soucy, Rockwood Peoples Choice: Shawna Davis, Meadville The objective of the contest is to focus public attention on the problems of litter, a quality of life issue that needs to be addressed by all. Litter is unsightly, it attracts rodents & insects that carry and spread disease. Farm animals, pets and wildlife often ingest poisonous matter and harmful items. PRC encourages all school students and adults to enter the 2011 Lens on Litter Contest. With more entries, more people will become aware of the problems of litter, and the more likely it is that someday we will all live in a litter-free world! Visit the website to see all of the winning photos. Sponsors of 2010 Lens on Litter were: AAA Mid-Atlantic, Inc., BPG Development Co., Pennoni Associates, SAP Americas and Wawa, Inc. |
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"Let's Tackle Recycling!"
Campaign Recap
The "Let's Tackle Recycling!" campaign wrapped up Sunday, Jan. 23, in the shadow of a Steeler's AFC Championship win.
The rocket's red glare and the clink of glass bottles and aluminum cans went hand-in-hand as Martina McBride sang the National Anthem before the game. But just like the Steelers' bid for superiority, this effort is far from over. Much work still needs to be done to make recycling integral to the North Shore tailgating experience.
With funding from Alcoa Foundation, PRC and partners Alco Parking, Greenstar, Pittsburgh Steelers, Pittsburgh Penguins, the National Football League, the National Hockey League, the Sports & Exhibition Authority, City of Pittsburgh Environmental Services, Heinz Field and other non-profits, set out to start this drive toward a recycling victory on the North Shore.
The wildly successful six game campaign, which included the Winter Classic on Jan. 1, resulted in the distribution of over 7,300 blue recycling bags to tailgating fans and the collection of more than 20,000 pounds of aluminum cans, glass containers and plastic bottles and cups!
PRC hopes to help all the players on the team succeed in making recycling a part of tailgating reality now and into the future.
For more information visit www.prc.org or contact Kyle Winkler at 412-488-7490 ext. 243 or kylew@ccicenter.org.
 
To see more photos from the campaign events click here.
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PRC East is Conducting Energy Conservation Outreach to Meet
PA Act 129 Requirements
Since mid-2010, PRC's eastern office has been assisting PECO, which transmits energy throughout most of southeastern PA, with the promotion of their Smart Ideas programs. The programs are designed to fulfill PECO's requirements under PA Act 129 to reduce electricity consumption by 3% by May 31, 2013.
Smart Ideas programs offer incentives for the purchase of energy efficient appliances & HVAC equipment through the Smart Home Rebate program, and incentives to properly recycle energy inefficient equipment with the Smart Appliance Recycling program. The Smart Lighting Discounts program offers substantial discounts on CFLs at many area retailers, and the Smart A/C Saver program offers incentives for reduction in energy use from central air conditioning units.
PRC attended close to 400 community events and met with over 59,000 PECO customers, promoting the Smart Ideas programs and sharing the message that everyone, whether they are homeowners, renters, low or fixed income, can save energy and money by making simple lifestyle changes.
One of the most common misconceptions is that appliances and electronic items when turned "off" don't use electricity. In fact, many still do if they remain plugged in, due to a phenomenon called 'ghost draw'. To prevent wasted electricity when these items are not in use, they can be uplugged individually, or more conveniently use a power strip that cuts off all power when switched off.
To learn more about the PECO Smart Ideas programs for residential and business customers please visit www.peco.com/smartideas or contact Carol Butler of PRC at 610-353-1555 ext. 230 or butler@prc.org.
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"Green 'U'"
Winter/Spring Schedule of Workshops
Healthy Body, Healthy Home, Healthy Planet Workshop. A workshop designed to heighten awareness & encourage action around the issue of toxins in our environment, the resulting consequences to our health and how to avoid exposure. Practical solutions such as safe alternatives & healthy lifestyle choices are presented. All participants receive a green cleaning starter kit. Pittsburgh Workshops: 2/16 and 3/15 Backyard Composting Workshop. Learn the importance of composting, how to set up a compost pile, proper maintenance and ways to used the finished product. Participants will receive an Earth Machine Compost Bin with attendance. Pittsburgh Workshops: 3/19 and 4/16
Philadelphia Workshops: 2/17, 3/9, 4/14, 5/16, 6/8
Worm Composting Workshop. Learn about the benefits of composting with worms. It's easy, fun, odorless and produces a great soil additive! Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and make your own bin! Each participant (or couple) will be provided with a bin, instructions and worms. You will go home with a complete, ready to use vermiculture system!
Pittsburgh Workshop: 3/10
Philadelphia Workshops: 3/21, 4/27, 5/26, 6/13
For more information or to register, simply click on the workshop name. Gift certificates are available and make great Valentine's Day gifts.
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February Volunteer Opportunities
We can always use a helping hand (or ten) at PRC! Please let us know if you are able to provide assistance this month for:
We're hard at work planning the schedule for the 2011 Household Hazardous Waste, Hard-to-Recycle and Pharmaceutical Collections, which means we will need lots of volunteers to staff the events. If you are interested in helping, please contact michaels@ccicenter.org for HHW and Pharmaceutical collections or saraha@ccicenter.org for Hard-to-Recycle collections.
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A Few More (Recycling)Things ...
Law requires easy recycling of 'e-waste'. Pennsylvania's electronic waste recycling law took effect on Jan. 23. What does it mean for consumers, manufacturers and retailers? Read the basics in this article from the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
Green Tree Borough, Allegheny County, will offer FREE recycling of tevisions, computer monitors, laptops and CPUs to borough residents with a 24 hour self-serve drop off collection Saturday, Feb. 26 and Sunday, Feb. 27 at the Green Tree Municipal Center rear lot, 10 W. Manilla Avenue (adjacent to police department). Recycling provided by eLoop, llc. For more info call 412-921-1110 or email rca@greentreeboro.com. FREE Freon Appliance Recycling for Allegheny County residents. Call the Appliance Warehouse at 1-888-GO-Freon (1-888-463-7366) to schedule a free curbside pickup of unwanted refrigerators, air conditioners, freezers, dehumidifiers and water coolers. No commercial appliances please.
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