Dave, I sense this may not be within your terms of reference, but I have to
put it on the table.
(List members who do not want to hear comments that are not directly
recycling-related, delete this message now.)
The concept of "beverage vendors" in schools is a problemmatic one. This
morning's Vancouver Sun newspaper (page B4) reports: "Sales of junk food
should be banned in schools, majority of BCTF delegates agree".
"The (BC Teachers') Federation believes schools were forced to allow junk
food vending machines after chronic under funding by government.... 'Our
message should be let's get rid of the unhealthy stuff, period.' "
It adds insult to injury that the "beverage vendors" in WA don't even take
back the empties.... where are the PTAs when we need them?
Helen.
At 08:57 AM 3/17/2004, David Stitzhal wrote:
Hello GreenYes'ers,
Does anyone have experience with, or knowledge of, school recycling
programs (elementary through high school) that have successfully recruited
the active participation of beverage vendors like Pepsi and Coke (or their
local bottlers and distributors)?
The Green Schools Program sponsored by the King County (WA) Solid Waste
Division is working with schools to increase bottle and can recycling. We
are hoping to actively engage the beverage contract holders that provide
vending machines and drinks to the schools. The vendors currently pay a
commission to the schools for each beverage sold. However, they do not
currently support or participate in a recycling collection programs for
the bottles and cans.
We are considering a variety of options that could be written in to future
beverage contracts issued by School Districts. These options range from
asking vendors to provide large, bottle-shaped recycling containers to be
placed next to every beverage machine, to requiring that the vendors
actually participate in the collection of the containers.
If you know of any examples of beverage vendors assisting with school
recycling programs for their containers, I would appreciate your providing
me with background and contact information.
Thanks in advance. And I will be more than pleased to share our findings
with anyone who wishes to see what we turn up.
Cheers.
David Stitzhal
Project Manager, Green Schools Program
stitzhal@no.address
206-723-0528
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