The ladies of GFWC North Pinellas Woman’s Club love a challenge, especially when it benefits the community. The clubwomen heard about the NexTrex Community Challenge Program from GFWC Florida Environment Chairman Patty Fisher. Community organizations were invited to collect 500 pounds of plastic film before the middle of May. The challenge was very specific – it included bubble wrap, bags, zip locks, and all plastics that are stretchable or have a recycle 2 or 4 on them. The contest was designed to promote a better understanding and appreciation for the importance of recycling, and as an incentive, Trex® agreed to donate a high-performance composite bench to any group that collected 500 pounds of plastic.
After registering for the contest, the clubwomen were provided with promotional materials and recycling bins. They established two drop-off points for the recycled items and promoted the contest to their 160+ club members and their families. After being selected as the recipient of the composite bench, Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy gratefully agreed to serve as a drop-off point and promote the contest to their students and families. The academy serves fourth through eighth grade students who are not achieving at their grade level, have low self-esteem, or have difficulty adjusting to their academic environment. The club also used social media to encourage the community to get involved.
Once each month, club women sorted, weighed and reported the collected materials before delivering them to a Trex drop-off retailer location. Although 500 pounds sounded like a big goal, the club’s project chairmen broke it down into a more manageable goal, less than 4 pounds per member. Support from the families at Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy was instrumental in helping the club achieve their goal.
The challenge began on National Recycle Day, November 15, 2021 and runs through May 15, 2022, but the clubwomen met the challenge by early March. They are eagerly awaiting the delivery of their composite bench so they can present it to Chi Chi Rodriguez Academy for use by the students in their beautiful campus setting.
Recycle Program