LAS VEGAS, May 24, 2004 (PRIMEZONE) -- The International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a unique partnership which will not only prevent pollution but will educate the public about recycling. The program, "America's Marketplace Recycles!" was co-announced by ICSC's President and CEO Michael P. Kercheval and EPA's Director Michael O. Leavitt during ICSC's spring convention today.
In announcing the partnership, ICSC President and CEO Michael P. Kercheval said, "Shopping centers have and are conducting many innovative ways to handle the issue of recycling at their centers. This partnership with the EPA provides both organizations the opportunity to not only get the word out about the importance of recycling, but allows us to recognize shopping centers and retailers who are leading the way in regards to recycling," added Kercheval.
The key component of the "America's Marketplace Recycles!" is an awards program which will recognize recycling efforts at shopping centers throughout the United States. The program will also help others find ways to recycle, reuse, or reduce the amount of recyclable materials shopping centers generate on an annual basis. The awards program features seven categories in order to fully encompass the diverse nature of the shopping center industry. Each of the seven categories has two separate awards based upon the size of the facility, so smaller shopping centers will not directly compete against larger centers. The featured categories are: New Recycling Program; Expansion of an Existing Recycling Program; Outstanding Retailer; Outstanding Mall Owner/Developer; Public Awareness Campaign/Promotional Event; Community Partnership/Beneficial Use of Funds; and Innovative Recycling Program. In addition, awards will be given for a range of recycling activities such as an outstanding Earth Day educational program or a notable community outreach effort or a multi-material recycling program. From among the overall nominations, a single outstanding program will be selected to receive the "Recycler of the Year" Award.
Applications for the "America's Marketplace Recycles!" awards program will be available on the ICSC website by August 2004 (www.icsc.org) with nominations being accepted through January 31, 2005. The first "America's Marketplace Recycles!" Awards winners will be announced prior to ICSC Spring Convention in May 2005.
Founded in 1957, ICSC is the global trade association of the shopping center industry. ICSC services its over 46,000 members in over 77 countries by assisting in the development of their businesses through professional education, conferences and conventions, publications, research and legislative action.