CRI Participates in Local Earth Day Celebration
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Contact: CRI Communications Department, 706.428.2103

April 22, 2002, DALTON, GA The Carpet and Rug Institute (CRI) participated in the Westwood School's celebration of Earth Day by presenting recyclable coasters to each third grader at the school on Monday.

CRI's Sarah Nicholas (right) gives recyclable coasters made from carpet to Westwood School Principal Angela Garrett

The recyclable coasters, made from carpet, are backed with polypropylene plastic which is waterproof. Plastic is considered a good material to recycle because it has many uses in everyday products and does not break down during recycling.

The plastic used in the coasters is resistant to chemicals and heat and is widely used for purposes ranging from manufacturing fibers to food packaging items such as screw-on caps and lids, yogurt and margarine tubs and juice bottles. This type of plastic has been used as the primary material in automotive battery cases because it is lightweight, durable and cost-effective.

Some products made from recycled polypropylene include auto parts, bird feeders, furniture, bag dispensers, golf equipment, carpets, grocery cart handles and industrial fibers.

The coasters were received with appreciation at the Earth Day events at Westwood School. Principal Angela Garrett said, "The children will love these gifts. It's a wonderful way to show them how many of the things we use everyday, like carpet, can be recycled."

CRI also participated in Earth Day events by helping clean an area in Dalton recently. This Friday, CRI will be back at Westwood School to help plant a tree on Arbor Day in honor of a retired teacher.