By: Susan Fisher, Muncie Public Library—
Muncie, IN—Muncie Public Library (MPL) and Muncie Sanitary District (MSD) are working together to celebrate World Environment Day on Monday, June 5, 2017. The celebration will take place at Kennedy Library from 4-6 p.m. and will feature environmental information, free reusable tote bags, seed planting activities, and the chance to meet Mr. Blue, the Muncie Sanitary District mascot.
The celebration and the reusable tote bags are part of MPL’s Green Committee effort to make the library more environmentally responsible. According to MPL employee Sara McKinley, who serves as chairperson of the committee, MPL hopes to “lead by example” in making eco-friendly choices. “Our latest initiative is to stop providing single-use plastic bags at MPL and to encourage the use of more environmentally friendly reusable tote bags,” she said. McKinley approached Muncie Sanitary District to help in the effort. “MSD is the perfect partner for this project as they also lead by example when it comes to educating the public about greener practices,” said McKinley. “With their help, we have been able to purchase reusable tote bags that will be given away for free while supplies last. We will encourage our customers to reuse these bags or to use their own favorite tote bags when checking out and returning materials.” McKinley also noted that once the current supply of single-use plastic bags runs out, MPL would not purchase more.
Jason Donati, Stormwater and Recycling Educator at MSD, also expressed his enthusiasm about the shared project, “MSD is excited to be partnering with the Muncie Public Library for World Environment Day and the reusable tote bag project,” he said. “MSD believes in the importance of environmental sustainability, and invests in sustainable practices throughout our community to promote environmental stewardship.” Donati also noted that encouraging the reduction of the use of plastic bags is something MSD has been passionate about for many years. “Partnering with MPL to encourage their customers to use reusable bags when checking out library materials will provide many benefits to our local residents. This may seem like a small step towards achieving a larger goal; however it will be a seed for future growth as we continue to educate the public about reducing, reusing, and recycling to cut back on waste in our community.”
The World Environment Day Celebration is a free event and all ages are welcome. Kennedy Library is located at 1700 W. McGalliard Road, Muncie, Indiana. For more information visit the library’s website at www.munciepubliclibrary.org
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