The event kicked off a six-week White House celebration touting the importance of recycling. "Evidenced by the materials they use and the efforts they make, our industry is committed to reducing solid waste," said Karil Kochenderfer, GMA's director of environmental affairs. "Per capita, packaging waste has decreased while recycling has increased, due in large part to GMA company efforts." From last winter's industry report, "Progress and Performance," by Franklin Associates, Kochenderfer cited key findings. Among them: In 1970, only 860ꯠ tons of grocery packaging were recovered for recycling and composting; by 1993, 8.4 million tons were recovered-nearly a ten-fold increase. The Franklin study forecasts that 11.37 million tons will be recovered by the year 2000. For more information, phone GMA at 202/337-9400.
