On April 24 Gov. Rendell will issue a proclamation to acknowledge a unique business/ nonprofit partnership that promises to help Pennsylvania’s environment statewide.

The Pennsylvania Resources Council, one of the Commonwealth’s oldest environmental organizations, has joined forces with Whole Foods Market, one of the nation’s leading natural foods retailers, to work toward a healthier environment in Pennsylvania.

The relationship started several years ago when PRC’s western office began offering backyard composting classes at the Pittsburgh Whole Foods store. Since that first class, the waiting list of “wanna-be composting gurus” has grown each season.

In 2005, PRC-East followed suit with composting classes for four of the six greater Philadelphia region stores. Workshops about other environmental issues -- energy conservation, organic gardening and “Greener Lifestyles” -- are being scheduled for the future.

Many of the earth-friendly principles that PRC teaches to children and adults are embraced by Whole Foods Markets, whose environmental sensitivity was lauded recently in the New York Times.

Whole Foods Markets have personnel dedicated to watching over the environmental practices of each store, making sure that employees join their customers in living by the motto, “Whole Foods, Whole People, Whole Planet.”

Just as PRC offers individuals and communities guidance on environmental stewardship, Whole Foods Markets is committed to improving the community as well.

Three times a year, individual Whole Foods stores hold "5% Days" when they donate 5% of that day's total sales to a local nonprofit or educational organization.

This April, for the first time, all the Whole Foods Market stores statewide are working together to support a statewide organization – PRC.

Shoppers at specific stores on April 25-27 will know that 5% of their selections’ purchase price will support all of PRC’s environmental programs, including school and community education about litter prevention; recycling; energy and resource conservation; watershed stewardship; community visual environment and environmental sustainability.

The Governor’s proclamation will recognize this reciprocal and synergistic relationship.

A schedule of Whole Foods Markets 5% Days for PRC is available online.

4/14/2006