Back to School Tax Holiday Turns Green with DEP Collection at Governor's Square Mall

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) hosted its fourth regional Easy As One collection event today in Tallahassee at the Governor’s Square Mall. At the event, two tons of paper were shredded and recycled by Shred-It; more than 3,000 retail plastic bags were collected and recycled; and 146 used cell phones and 135 chargers were collected to be donated to the Big Bend Victim Assistance Coalition.

“The success of this fourth collection event is another reminder of how one simple action can produce a powerful impact on the environment and society,” said DEP Deputy Secretary Mimi Drew. “These collection events offer the public a chance to learn about environmental conservation and protection, while participating in an important community activity.”

People who brought 15 or more bags for recycling received a reusable shopping bag donated by Wal-Mart. Those who donated a cell phone or charger or brought paper for recycling received a day pass to any Florida State Park.

For those who were unable to attend the event, many retail grocery stores have implemented plastic bag recycling programs to make recycling easy for their shoppers. To find a plastic bag recycling location, go to www.abagslife.com. Visit www.Earth911.com for information on recycling paper and many other items such as computer monitors, toner cartridges and televisions. Recently, an Easy As One project was chosen to be in the running for $25,000 in grant money during the August voting cycle of Pepsi’s Refresh Everything Project. Florida’s Foundation and DEP teamed up to submit their project: Teach Florida students green habits that produce amazing results. DEP is asking Florida residents, students and friends throughout the country to vote for this project each day in August. To vote, visit www.refresheverything.com/EasyAsOneFlorida or text 101291 to Pepsi (73774).

Easy As One - Ordinary actions. Extraordinary results. is an environmental awareness campaign by DEP that highlights easy actions each one of us can take to make sustainable practices part of our daily lives at home, at school, at work and at play. As the lead agency in state government for environmental management and stewardship, DEP encourages citizens to adopt green habits that protect Florida’s air and water quality, conserve water and reduce waste. A sustainable Florida depends on the collective efforts of citizens, groups, businesses, industry and government.

For more information on Easy As One visit www.dep.state.fl.us/EasyAsOne or follow on Twitter at www.twitter.com/EasyAsOne. Images from today’s event are available upon request.