Beginning March 19, Philadelphians will meet the future of recycling as the Philadelphia

Streets Department's Recycling Office launches a new public service campaign to encourage increased participation in the City's residential curbside recycling program.

Inspired by the real comments of Philadelphia's teenagers, the public service campaign features three area teens stepping up to take responsibility for their own recycling habits while encouraging the adults in their lives to follow their lead.

Communicating the messages, "Count on me to make it happen," "We can do this," and "It starts here with me," Philadelphia teenagers Christian Aviles, 13, Saladin White III, 14, and Essie Wilson, 17, inspire and motivate Philadelphia's youth to do their part in diverting valuable materials from the waste stream.

"Our kids are indeed the future of recycling. Educating our youth to become avid, life-long recyclers is critical in protecting our environment for generations to come," stated City of Philadelphia Streets Commissioner Clarena I.W. Tolson. "We are sure to see more people understanding the need and contributing to help conserve our natural resources for this nextgeneration."

The Philadelphia Recycling Office's public service campaign includes 15- second television announcements airing on WPVI-TV and WXTF-TV and transit posters which will be displayed in city buses and on subway platforms (EL Subway and Green Line routes).

The public service announcements may also be viewed on the Philadelphia Recycling Office's website.

For more information about recycling, please contact the City of Philadelphia Streets Department's recycling hotline at 215-685-7329.

3/16/2007