Contact: Bonnie Merrill Limbach
(202) 974-5210

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDUSTRY GROUP OFFERS FREE ENVIRONMENTAL CURRICULA FOR SCHOOLS

WASHINGTON (February 4, 2002) – The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc. (SPI) now offers free environmental curricula for primary and secondary school educators in easily downloaded publications on the Web.

The curricula were drawn from the popular educational series formerly offered in printed form by the Film & Bag Federation (FBF), an SPI business unit.

“These publications have been used widely since their creation by the FBF,” said SPI Vice President of Communications Bonnie Merrill Limbach, “and SPI is pleased to now offer these excellent and enjoyable teaching tools in a new format.”

Included in the curricula are lesson plans, activities and materials for students at various stages of their environmental learning experience, according to FBF Chairman Fredy C. Steng, vice president of Pliant Corporation in Wilbraham, MA.

Available at www.plasticsindustry.org/outreach/school/enviroplans.htm. are:

• “Don't Let a Good Thing Go to Waste” – a solid-waste education program for pupils in grades 2-5. This lesson plan includes puzzles and games to keep youngsters interested and entertained while learning.
  
  
• “An Ounce of Prevention” and its companion exercise, “Life of a Hamburger,” which provide a middle-level science curriculum on source reduction. With activities that include an imaginary “Survivor” experience, this curriculum promotes teamwork along with learning. Developed by educators affiliated with the National Science Teachers Association with a grant by The Dow Chemical Company, “An Ounce of Prevention” deals with the conservation of resources, reduction of waste and analysis of energy consumption.
  
  
• “Earth Master” – a short, three-part exercise that addresses the "3 Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle" and allows students to use their knowledge and artistic skills to “save the planet.”

“By participating in these activities,” Steng said, “students of all ages will gain a practical understanding of the world around them and an appreciation of the scientific process. It's an easy, enjoyable way to set youngsters on the road to being informed consumers and good environmental citizens.”

The FBF works to further the development of the plastic film and bag industry by providing its members with the programs, services and the forum necessary to address environmental, regulatory and other issues critical to the success of the industry. The U.S. film and sheet industries employ more than 84,000 workers. U.S. shipments in these sectors total nearly $23.6 billion. For more information, visit www.plasticbag.com.

Founded in 1937, The Society of the Plastics Industry, Inc., is the trade association representing one of the largest manufacturing industries in the United States. SPI's 1,500 members represent the entire plastics industry supply chain, including processors, machinery and equipment manufacturers and raw material suppliers. The U.S. plastics industry employs 1.5 million workers and provides $304 billion in annual shipments.

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