Waste Reduction Week (WRW) gets Greener and Meaner

The following press release was posted on behalf of Waste Reduction Week in Canada:
TORONTO, Sept. 18 /CNW/ – Today, Sesame Street’s beloved Oscar the Grouch was announced as the new spokes-Muppet for Waste Reduction Week in Canada (WRW). The grumpy, garbage-loving Muppet has teamed up with the WRW Program to promote its ‘waste-free’ goals and appeal to children and adults alike through a media campaign running from October 19-25, 2008.
Oscar is known for his grouchy quips and love of all things garbage and he will use his unique charm to help encourage families to participate in WRW through two television public service announcements, promotional posters and a public relations campaign. The public service announcements will debut nationally in September and will offer easy ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.
“I can’t think of anyone better to represent the need for increased waste reduction and recycling than Oscar the Grouch,” said Jo-Anne St. Godard, member of the National Committee for WRW and the Recycling Council of Ontario’s Executive Director. “Oscar is one of the most beloved television personalities. His broad appeal will elevate Waste Reduction Week to new heights and help get everyone excited about doing their part.”
“Even Oscar can suppress his grouchiness to help support the important mission of Waste Reduction Week in Canada,” said Hunter Heller, Assistant Vice President, International Licensing, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street. “Sesame Workshop has long been committed to teaching children of all ages how to respect and better appreciate the environment and we think no other grouch can do it better than Oscar, the original ‘green’ Muppet?.”
Canada’s 8th annual Waste Reduction Week is developed and run by a coalition of waste reduction and conservation organizations from across the country. The program urges everyone to do their part in by reducing, reusing and recycling in every aspect of their lives – at home, school and work.
About WRW in Canada
WRW in Canada is developed and delivered by a coalition of 13 different recycling councils and sister organizations from across the Country. The Program focuses on the 3Es of the 3Rs; Education, Engagement and Empowerment. Waste Reduction Week in Canada, aims to inform and engage Canadians about the environmental and social ramifications of wasteful practices. The program’s educational resources and “take action” messaging, empowers all Canadians to adopt more environmentally conscious choices. WRW provides information and ideas to reduce waste in all facets of daily living, creating the solution to the many environmental challenges we face including climate change, water pollution and preservation of natural resources. As we all know, it is the collective improvements made by the masses, which will provide the results we need to reach true sustainability.
The program includes the distribution of promotional and resource materials, which provide information on the 3Rs emphasizing waste reduction. Information and resources are made available through a dynamic and user-friendly website, which provides participants with:

• “Facts and stats” of waste and waste-related issues;
• “Hands on tools” encouraging action; and
• User friendly web tools such as on-line registration to support participation

Learn some new ideas and share what you are doing in your province.
Register at the WRW in Canada website at www.wrwcanada.com.