The Iowa Grocery Industry Association has awarded Central College a $1,904 grant through its Build with Bags program. This grant will pay for two benches, a table and umbrella base made from recycled plastic bags by Plastic Recycling of Iowa Falls. Each bench represents approximately 10,600 recycled bags. The recycled furniture will arrive at Central’s organic garden in June.
Central is one of 18 communities to receive the grant. The Iowa Grocery Industry Association awarded a total $32,464.85 based on applicants’ local plastic bag recycling efforts, the location chosen for the recycled furniture and a letter from a local grocer who supported the organization’s plans for the furniture. Build with Bags is a cooperative effort of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Metro Waste Authority in Des Moines, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and The Des Moines Register, launched in 2009.
Michelle Hurd, president of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, said the program encourages people to recycle by providing recreated items that beautify Iowa communities. “This year’s grant winners are reaping the rewards of their recycling efforts,” Hurd said, “and we hope other communities will follow suit and expand their recycling efforts.”
