Schools invited to apply for up to $2,500 in funds for environmental projects
SCA Tissue North America joins the world in celebrating Earth Day for the 40th year on April 22, 2010, with the announcement of its fourth round of environmental grants. The company has given more than $93,000 in funding to 42 schools nationwide since the grant program’s inception in 2007. SCA has additional Earth Day activities planned at each of its regional locations.
“Our grant program is an extension of SCA’s commitment to environmental stewardship. It begins with our holistic approach to manufacturing our sustainable products and continues with our strong commitment to lightening our footprint,” said SCA Tissue President Don Lewis. “As a leader in sustainable business practices, SCA is an advocate of educational initiatives that advance awareness of our role as individuals and businesses in preserving our environment.”
Elementary, middle and high schools in comities where SCA Tissue North America has office and plant operations – Barton, Ala.; Flagstaff and Bellemont, Ariz.; South Glens Falls and Greenwich, N.Y.; and Neenah and Menasha, Wis. – are invited to apply for grants ranging from $250 to $2,500. Applications are due Friday, June 25, 2010. The application form and guidelines are available for downloading at www.torkusa.com. Click on the Environment & Hygiene tab and then click on the Environment link on the left side of the page. Winners will be announced on America Recycles Day, Nov. 15, 2010.
“As a society, I believe we understand more completely what changes are necessary to really improve our planet’s environment, and we are gaining the momentum to create the will and commitment to drive these changes,” said Michael Dillon, SCA Tissue Manager, Environmental and Risk Management.
“Unfortunately, schools all over the country are facing cuts in spending that affect staffing and curriculum. We believe it’s important now more than ever to continue providing funding for environmental education to help keep the momentum of the green movement going in our local communities,” Dillon said.
Past local grants have funded a variety of environmental initiatives such as equipment to study alternative energy sources, outdoor field trips, recycling and waste management initiatives and water quality data collection equipment. SCA also has partnered with local schools and organizations, throughout the year, to provide environmental information through presentations and educational materials as well as fund and participate in volunteer activities such as tree plantings and prairie restoration projects.
In addition to announcing this year’s environmental grants, SCA Tissue will mark Earth Day 2010 with activities in places where it has manufacturing operations. Activities range from tree plantings and employee recycling of electronics to poster contests for children and participation in local community events.
