Gelson’s Markets and True Reusable Bags Have Teamed Up to Help Reduce Waste While Helping Local Schools with a Plastic Bag Recycling Contest

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Just in time for the 2012 presidential election, Gelson’s Markets, recognized as one of the nation's premier supermarket chains, launches their chain-wide series of plastic bag recycling days with a “Vote Reusable” themed plastic recycling drive. Participating local schools have a chance to win $1,000 for bringing in the most recyclable plastic bags.

“We are committed to helping the communities we serve to save our planet, one plastic bag at a time”

Gelson’s Markets has committed to closing the loop on plastic recycling by partnering with True Reusable Bags to collect and remake plastic trash into their new reusable bags that have been brought back by their customers. The recycling drive is Gelson’s way of encouraging their local communities to join in the effort. “We are committed to helping the communities we serve to save our planet, one plastic bag at a time,” said Yvonne Manganaro, Gelson’s Director of Marketing.

“The Gelson’s location, in Gelson’s Village Calabasas, will be the first store of the chain to encourage local students and their families to be a part of the closed-loop recycling solution. All they have to do is bring their plastic bags and other recyclable flexible plastic for a chance to win $1,000 for their school,” stated Erin Grande, Environmental Programs Director of True Reusable Bags.

This first recycling plastic bag contest is open to elementary and middle schools in the Woodland Hills, Calabasas, Topanga, and West Hills areas. The school that brings in the most plastic by weight will be the winner of the $1,000 cash prize.

Eligible Schools include:

Alice C Stelle Middle School
Arthur E Wright Middle School
Lupin Hill Elementary
CHIME Charter School
Saint Mel’s School
Halsey School
Woodland Hills Elementary School
Calabash Elementary School
Serrania Avenue Elementary School
Calvert Street Elementary School
Woodlake Avenue Elementary School
Pinecrest Woodland Hills
Lockhurst Drive Elementary School
Chaparral Elementary School
Meadow Oaks School
Viewpoint School
Bay Laurel Elementary School
Round Meadow Elementary School
Topanga Elementary Charter School

Students are encouraged to help win the cash prize for their school. Additionally, every student that brings at least 10 single use plastic bags for recycling will receive the “Vote Reusable” True Reusable Bag. True Reusable Bags meet all reusability thickness and strength requirements and are designed to be re-used at least 125 times.

Gelson’s Markets and True Reusable Bags are anticipating an overwhelming number of participants at this event:

Saturday, November 3, 2012

11 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Gelson’s Market Calabasas

22277 Mulholland Highway

Calabasas, CA 91302

About Gelson’s Markets

Since opening in 1951, Gelson’s has proven to offer the premier grocery shopping experience, with 17 Southern California locations and a location in Long Beach coming in late 2013. Each location is singularly known as the area’s best market for superior produce, highest quality meat, seafood and deli, an unmatched selection of wine and liquor, and exceptional service. Please visit www.gelsons.com for more information and for a list of store locations.

About True ReUSAble Bags

At True Reusable Bags we believe that reusable shopping bags should be made in the USA, help clean our environment, and contribute to our children’s future. Therefore, every bag is 100% truly recyclable and made in the USA from recycled materials that have been diverted away from local waste streams.

Advanced technology enables True Reusable Bags to offer competitive solutions against imports and other competitors. Additionally, as a local recycler, we have the unique ability to source our own recycled materials. We can take post-consumer recycled plastic and businesses’ recycled packaging materials to create new stock printed and customized reusable bags – closed-loop recycling at its best. Get the truth at www.truereusablebags.com.