(L to R) Marlins Pitchers Chris Leroux, Brian Sanches and Sean West; Parkway Christian eighth grader Brady McBride; Marlins Pitcher Rick VandenHurk; Tim Hawkins of Waste Management; Parkway Christian seventh grader Jessica Cole; and Billy the Marlin at Waste Management’s Reuter Recycling Center.
PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. – The Florida Marlins kicked off their recent 2010 Caravan for Earth in Broward County at Waste Management’s Reuter Recycling Center in Pembroke Pines.
Joining Marlins pitchers Sean West, Rick VandenHurk, Brian Sanches and Chris Leroux on a tour of the facility to learn more about recycling were students from Parkway Christian School in Davie, Mr. Marlin Jeff Conine, Billy the Marlin and the Marlins Mermaids.
The players and students were introduced to the recycling process during the educational tour of the largest single-stream recycling facility in the Southeastern United States. While on the tour, the Marlins pitchers traded in baseballs for aluminum cans, taking turns throwing them into the oversized recycling bins.
“It was a natural for us to partner with the Marlins on their Caravan for Earth,” said Tim Hawkins, South Florida area vice president for Waste Management. “ It was a great platform for us to promote the recycling message, particularly to the students who attended. It’s the next generation that will be instrumental as we create environmentally friendly communities.”
In addition to learning recycling tips, the students were treated to photo and autograph sessions with the Marlins players and Billy the Marlin. The seventh and eighth grade students also took home autographed Waste Management branded baseballs and a gift bag from the Marlins.
This year’s week-long Marlins Caravan was filled with environmentally-themed community events and appearances that gives fans the opportunity to interact with players, coaches, Billy the Marlin and the Mermaids.
Waste Management, based in Houston, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management and environmental services in North America. WM Recycle America, a Waste Management subsidiary, was established 20 years ago to provide comprehensive recycling options. Since its inception, WM Recycle America has handled over 55 million tons of recyclable commodities. For more information on Waste Management Recycle America, please visit http://www.recycleamerica.com/.