Recycling Stickers Coming Thanks to New Business in San Diego

A grand-opening of a health and beauty store in University Town Center will help environmental education at Spreckels Elementary School and recycling efforts at schools all over San Diego County.

Kiehl's Since 1851, a New York City-based old-world apothecary, officially opened its UTC store on Sept. 20 and as part of the festivities invited students from Spreckels Elementary School in University City. The store-opening promotion invited visitors to bring in recyclable beverage containers, with the proceeds from recycling going to Spreckels's environmental programs. School Board President Dr. John Lee Evans was also on hand.

Kiehl's has partnered with Recycle Across America to fund a massive eco-initiative for the city, which will ensure that over 400 K-12 schools in the City and County of San Diego have standardized labels for their recycling bins, helping the school community improve their recycling efforts. Kiehl's donated $40,000 to the Recycle Across America program to cover the printing costs of the labels. In turn, Recycle Across America will donate labels to schools.

"These labels will help our kids find those recycling bins in their classrooms and school campuses," said Janet Whited, district rubbish and recycling specialist. "We're working to teach our kids good habits and help kids know what waste goes where."

Each school is eligible to receive 150 labels valued at $150. Each includes a picture of the recyclable items accepted; proper labeling on recycling bins help students, staff and visitors easily determine what can and cannot be recycled.

“I couldn’t be prouder that Kiehl’s Since 1851 and our new store at Westfield UTC have funded this project with Recycle Across America, to help San Diego’s schools and students improve their recycling efforts," said Chris Salgardo, President, Kiehl’s USA. "Giving back to our communities is as essential to our company as our skin care products, and this project supports two of our most important causes: the environment and children’s well-being. It’s an honor to help provide the tools that allow the next generation to become true caretakers of the earth and its fragile ecosystems.”

"In these days of tight budget, we really appreciate the donations from Recycle Across America and Kiehl's," she said.

For more information on the district's recycling program, contact Whited at 858-637-6268 or jwhited@sandi.net.