Saturday, November 14th marked the first annual Bellaire Recycles Day and it is estimated that over 150 people participated in the event on a beautiful, sunny fall day. Based on the positive comments from citizens, if Mother Earth had assigned a grade, she’d certainly have awarded an “A” to the successful event. With the support of Joe Keene, Director of Public Works, and City Council, the Bellaire Recycling Committee hosted this observance of America and Texas Recycles Day to educate and promote the social, environmental and economic significance of recycling, reducing and re-using.

Mayor Siegel signed an official proclamation marking November 14 as Bellaire Recycles Day. Mayor Siegel also challenged Bellaire citizens to look for ways to increase recycling. “ Currently, about 30% of our citizens participate in the Curbside Recycling Program and we would like to see 50% participation”. Showing their support by attending the event were Mayor Siegel and City Council members Jim Avioli, Pat McLaughlan, Mandy Nathan and Will Hickman along with City Council candidates Andrew Friedberg and Roseann Rogers  and many City of Bellaire employees.
Over a dozen “green” businesses and charitable organizations donated their time and were on hand to talk to citizens about their goods and services, how to improve our City and quality of life. The Bellaire Lions Club, Junk Goes Green, Envicorp Products, Texas Home Insulation, Sunshine Resale Shop, Faith Lutheran Church, Fairy Godmother Project, Naturalcare Cleaning Service, Raintube Houston and Batteries Plus were among those participating in the event.
According to Joe Keene, “Being “green” also means we can make an impact by re-using items and sharing them with those less fortunate and we did just that.” On Bellaire Recycles Day, the Lion’s Club collected approximately 250 pair of eye glasses; the Fairy Godmother Project collected many bags of prom and formal attire to give to students unable to afford prom attire; Faith Lutheran Church collected boxes of blankets and coats for the homeless; and Techs and Trainers collected computers to provide training and computer skills to the disabled.

While the grown ups were talking about recycling, the kids were enjoying games and treats. There was “Smash a Can”, recycle bingo, face painting, “Make a Recycling Promise” and more, along with free snacks from HEB Bellaire, ice cream from Baskin Robbins and drinks from Chick-Fil-A. Student volunteers from the Environmental Clubs at DeBakey High School for the Health Professions and Bellaire High School were on hand to help out with all the activities. The Houston Reuseit-Wisely Mascot stopped by for photo opps with the young and old alike. A Bellaire garbage truck was on hand with Bellaire garbage and recycling statistics. Great giveaways and educational materials were available for attendees. Approximately 100 adults took the “Recycling Pledge” and were entered for prize drawings. At the end of the event, Recycling Committee members drew names for over twenty valuable prizes. See a complete list of winners on the Recycling Committee website (www.bellairerecycles.org). Across the street, the Friends of the Bellaire library was holding its Fall Book Sale where books for reuse were for sale at unbelievable prices.

The Bellaire Recycling Committee is grateful for the in-kind donations from our neighbors at HEB (Bissonnet), Baskin Robbins (Bellaire), Whole Foods Market (Bellaire Blvd.), Chick Fil A (Beechnut) Waste Management and Epic Custom Homes. Thanks to these businesses, there were lots of good eats, giveaways and advertisement.
Thanks to all those who attended our first year event!

DRAWING PRIZE WINNERS

Thanks to all (approx 100 adults)  who took the pledge

HEB $30 Gift Card -- Nora Brown
Greenstar 4 Stainless Mugs -- Gayle Davies
Magpies $20 Gift Certificate -- Adrienne Davis
K-Nails $12 Gift Certificate -- Teresa Bishop-Smith
Auntie Pastos $25 Gift Certificate -- Andrew Murland
Teas Potted Plant -- Elaine Lange
O'Reilly Auto Parts $25 Gift Certificate -- Joanne Go
Starbucks - Bellaire 1 LB Coffee -- Jeff Nixon
Good Things Antiques $25 Gift Certificate  --  Ray Argamany
Brisket Bar B Q $20 Gift Certificate -- Brenda Roberts
Palace (Tropicana) Bowling Center 3 Family Bowl Certificates (4 free games each)                                Carolyn Springer, Jo Monday, Jamie Smith
Kwik Kopy 250 Personalalized  Note Cards --  Michelle Mourad
BRC Donor Green Science Enviro Battery  --  Susan Speert
Walgreen's UH Sweatshirt and Recycle Bag  --  Susie Tannery
Naturalcare Cleaning Service $150 Gift Certificate --  Jason Goodman
Beck's Prime $30 Gift Certificate  --  Lynn McBee
Skeeters/Los Tios $25 Gift Certificate -- Ira Leichman

Thanks to all the local business who donated these items!!