Recycling Pays Off For Fresno-Area Soccer Teams

News provided by

Jul 14, 2012, 01:18 ET

FRESNO, Calif., July 14, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- In a close contest that saw several teams earn rewards for their recycling efforts, the Girls Under 13 Red Team from the California Odyssey Soccer Club is the winner of the first-ever Recycle. Goal. Central Valley recycling contest, which challenged local youth soccer teams to collect and recycle materials.

The winners recycled almost 1,970 pounds of pounds of materials, including more than 300 pounds of plastics, to win the competition. Overall, the participants collected and recycled more than 4,280 pounds of materials, including nearly 1,500 pounds of plastic.

"We all benefit because this competition teaches these young athletes about recycling and keeping our communities clean," said Fabricio Codeceira, director of corporate sales for the Fresno Fuego, a minor league soccer team which is a member of the United Soccer Leagues and a sponsor of the competition. "We are proud to partner with the American Chemistry Council and Keep California Beautiful to provide programs like this that teach lessons beyond the soccer field."

All of the teams that participated represent the Odyssey Soccer Club. They competed in the eight-week contest to see which team could recycle the most materials by weight. The Central Valley contest is an extension of the successful Recycle. Goal. competition that started in Southern California three years ago.

"This contest works. We've been with Recycle. Goal. since the beginning, and we're pleased to see it spread to other parts of the state," said Christine Flowers, executive director of Keep California Beautiful. "We support all programs that promote recycling, especially ones that create a new generation of recyclers."

All qualifying teams earned $250 to go toward future tournament fees. The winning team will attend a Fuego game at Chukchansi Park and enjoy free food in a luxury suite at the field.

"By keeping more than 4,280 pounds of recyclable materials out of the waste stream, these young athletes made a big difference in their community," said Steve Russell, vice president of plastics for the American Chemistry Council. "Recycling has many rewards, and thanks to the players of the Odyssey Soccer Club, the plastic bottles, cans and other materials that they recycled will live on as many valuable and useful products."

To learn more about the Recycle. Goal. competition, 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 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