Anaheim Impact girls Win Third Annual Recycling Contest

ANAHEIM, Calif., Nov. 13, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- By recycling more than 3,000 pounds of materials, including more than 800 pounds of plastics, the Anaheim Impact girls under 13 team from the Anaheim Soccer Association won this year's Recycle. Goal. contest, a recycling competition for youth soccer teams across Southern California dedicated to educating young people about the importance of recycling plastics and other materials.

Overall, 30 teams took part in the 9-week contest sponsored by Keep California Beautiful (KCB), the LA Galaxy, Dick's Sporting Goods, the American Chemistry Council (ACC) and Buffalo Wild Wings. The participating teams collected more than 11,470 pounds of recyclable materials, including nearly 2,830 pounds of plastics. The Anaheim Impact girls emerged as the winner in a close race to recycle the most materials.

The contest concluded with a celebration for players, parents and coaches just ahead of America Recycles Day, celebrated each year on November 15. The event reminds consumers of the value of recycling and the role recycling plays in preserving our communities.

"America Recycles Day may be a one-day event, but programs and contests like Recycle. Goal. help ensure that recycling happens year round," said Christine Flowers, executive director of KCB. "And perhaps most importantly, Recycle. Goal. involves our youth and helps create the next generation of recyclers."

All of the participating teams earned rewards from either Buffalo Wild Wings or Dick's Sporting Goods. The winning team will also receive tickets to an LA Galaxy game and will participate in a soccer skills clinic conducted by the Galaxy.

While the players earned rewards for recycling, program sponsors say the community is the real winner.

"This is the third year the LA Galaxy has supported Recycle. Goal., and each year we are more impressed with what these young athletes are able to accomplish," said Chris Klein, Galaxy vice president. "Recycling is a simple act that makes a big impact on our neighborhoods, and we're proud to stand with the other sponsors in support of this program and the teams."

"After three years, this program is still going strong and Buffalo Wild Wings is grateful for the opportunity to support these teams," said Joe Janaszek, president of Southern California Franchise Board, Buffalo Wild Wings. "Win or lose, these athletes are every-day champions in the community."

"Thanks to these players, a wide variety of recyclable materials was diverted from landfills, and the plastic, paper, glass and aluminum they collected will be recycled into many useful products," said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council.  "The athletes did a great job, and we all benefit from the results of recycling."

To learn more about Recycle. Goal., please visit 2valuable2waste.com.

The American Chemistry Council's Plastics Division represents leading companies dedicated to providing innovative solutions to the challenges of today and tomorrow through plastics.  Ongoing innovations from America's Plastics Makers^TM have led to medical advances and safety equipment that make our lives better, healthier and safer every day.  And, advances in plastics are helping Americans save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease waste.  Because plastics are such a valuable resource, the Plastics Division is leading efforts to "reduce, reuse, recycle and recover," including through outreach, education and access to advances in recycling technology.  www.americanchemistry.com/plastics

SOURCE American Chemistry Council