SPSA : Press Room

PRESS ROOM

SPSA’s “You and Your Trash” Exhibit
Receives Partnership Award

(Chesapeake, VA – September 13, 2007) – The Southeastern Public Service Authority (SPSA), along with the Virginia Aquarium was awarded the Partnership Award from the Hampton Roads Alliance for Environmental Education (HRAEE). SPSA and the Virginia Aquarium received this award due to their long standing partnership for a museum exhibit, called “You and Your Trash.”
           HRAEE only awards the Partnership Award once a year at their annual August conference to an organization(s) that exemplifies using creative means by partnering to promote environment education.
           SPSA’s goal with the exhibit was for attendees to understand how much trash they produce each year and what SPSA does with their trash. In addition, the Virginia Aquarium’s stranding team had a display at the exhibit that showcase the negative effects litter can have on marine and wildlife.
            “It was an ideal partnership,” said Brenna Gintyrapp, SPSA Public Relations Administrator. “The You and Your Trash exhibit gave visitors a chance to explore what happens to your trash once you take it to the curb.” By partnering with the Virginia Aquarium, SPSA was able to extend its public outreach due to the 90,000 visitors that attend the Aquarium each month.
            “This was a perfect fit for the Aquarium,” said Karen Burns, Virginia Aquarium Education Specialist. “We wanted to show the connection that litter can have on the marine life and the environment if it is disposed of improperly and by having SPSA involved, we were able to do that.”

For additional information, contact Public Information at (757) 420-4700.

SPSA has been providing efficient and environmentally sound waste disposal services to the region and its residents since 1985. SPSA’s solid waste management system includes waste-to-energy, yard waste composting, drop-off and curbside recycling as well as other recycling programs, household hazardous waste collection, landfilling, landfill gas-to-energy and education programs. This integrated waste management system enables SPSA to put 57% of the waste it receives to a beneficial use, thus allowing the region to reduce its dependence on landfills.