Iowa Grocery Industry Association and Metro Waste Authority have teamed up for the 2009 Build with Bags School Challenge, a partnership to help teach kids about our environment and the importance of recycling.
The program encourages elementary school students in the Des Moines metro area to recycle plastic shopping bags and challenges the schools to get local residents to use reusable shopping bags instead of plastic. Every time someone uses a reusable shopping bag at any grocery store in the metro (Hy-Vee, Dahl’s, Fareway, etc.) one point will be issued and the shopper will be able to tell the cashier which school they would like to receive their points.
For each school that collects at least 10 pounds of recycled plastic shopping bags (approximately 60 bags weighs one pound) and receives credit for 10 reusable shopping bags, Iowa Grocery Industry Association and Metro Waste Authority will award a $100 gift card to that school.
Added Bonus: For every six reusable bag points designated, that school receives credit for one pound of recycled plastic shopping bags.
The top three schools will receive a piece of outdoor furniture/equipment, such as a park bench or picnic table, made from recycled plastic.
Registration has ended for the 2009 Build with Bags School Challenge, please check back again next year.