Build with Bags, a recently launched recycling program led by Iowa grocers, is giving thousands of dollars in grants over the next two years to aid Iowa schools and parks.

The donations, which could total as much as $100,000 in awards, will help communities in Iowa generate the funds necessary to make purchases of recycled plastic outdoor furniture and equipment more affordable. The idea is to connect the money from the Build with Bags Grant Program with heightened efforts across the state to increase plastic bag recycling.

The grant program was developed to support Build with Bags’ primary goal of increasing plastic bag recycling. All governmental entities, schools and organizations (i.e. service clubs or non-profits) within Iowa are able to apply for funding through the grant program to aid in the purchase of items for a school or park.

A maximum award of $2,000 is available with each applicant being limited to one application or project per year.

Encouraging purchases of furniture and equipment made from recycled plastic for parks and schools through its grant program is one of four goals established by Build with Bags. The other three include doubling the amount of plastic bags recycled over a 24-month period, reducing consumption of plastic bags and increasing use of reusable bags.

Build with Bags, a cooperative of the Iowa Grocery Industry Association, Keep Iowa Beautiful, Metro Waste Authority in Des Moines, Iowa Department of Natural Resources and The Des Moines Register, was originally announced last August at the 2009 Iowa State Fair. It was rolled out in participating stores, including all Dahl’s Foods, Fareway Stores and Hy-Vee locations statewide, with a two-week promotion that started January 11. Program-branded plastic bags are being used to help highlight the promotion, as well as Build with Bags posters that are displayed in the entry ways of stores near plastic bag recycling barrels.

Applications are currently being accepted for the 2010 calendar year. Details on how to apply, as well as selection criteria, are outlined online at www.itseasytorecycle.org and www.iowagrocers.com. The deadline to apply for a Build with Bags grant is March 15. Awards will be announced on April 22, which is Earth Day.

For more information on Build with Bags or its grant program opportunities, please visit www.itseasytorecycle.org or www.iowagrocers.com.

Program Overview
Program Poster

Press Releases:
January 19, 2010 – Build with Bags Program to Award up to $100,000 in Grant Money (.doc)
January 11, 2010 – Iowa Grocers Roll Out Plastic Bag Recycling Initiative in Stores (.doc)