The Plastic Free Plan-It fundraiser will raise money to pay for recycling bins in Grand Prairie ISD. Photo by Storyblock.

Oct. 29, 2018

Can you imagine a world without plastic pollution? The folks in Grand Prairie want to do their part with help from a fundraiser on Nov. 3. 

The event dubbed Plastic Free Plan-It features a matinee and an evening gala at Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St. in Grand Prairie.

Proceeds will be used to purchase 420 recycling bins made of recycled steel for Grand Prairie’s schools.

Amanda Lindbergh, Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful Coordinator for the city of Grand Prairie, said their goal is to raise $88,000. They have already been awarded $49,025 through a North Central Texas Council of Government Solid Waste Grant, which is funded by the Texas Commission for Environmental Quality.

Grand Prairie ISD Recycling Bin“We will be purchasing 420 recycling bins made of stainless steel. Each bin will be permanently labeled with the bin sponsor, through the Plastic Free Plan-It fundraiser,” said Lindbergh. “We expect these recycling bins to have a lifespan of 30 years. Campuses will have the flexibility to change the label on the bins as the need to collect different recyclables changes in the future. For example, now the bin may say plastic number 1 and 2, but in 10 years it may become a clothing or electronics collection bin.”

The Grand Prairie Independent School District has already been recycling paper and cardboard in classrooms and copy rooms for more than 15 years Lindbergh said. The purchase of these recycling bins will allow for expansion of recycling services to include plastic and aluminum as well as increase the ability to capture paper and cardboard.

The fundraiser kicks off with a matinee, featuring a screening of A Plastic Ocean, a film that documents the environmental effects of litter in the ocean; displays of recycled material artwork; swag; raffle prizes and more. Doors open at 11 a.m. and the movie begins at 12:45 p.m. Tickets are $7.

In the evening, a gala includes a 20-minute screening of A Plastic Ocean; with a meet-and-greet with the movie producer; displays of recycled artwork; a recycled orchestra from GPISD; a recycled materials fashion show; raffle prizes; and merchandise for sale. Heavy hors-d’oeuvres will be served and a cash bar will be available. Doors open at 6 p.m. Tickets are $35.

“The Plastic Free Plan-It Gala will be our grand finale for fundraising,” Lindbergh concluded. “Once the funds are secured, the city of Grand Prairie will complete a bid request to purchase the bins. We expect to have the recycling bins in place by the middle of the spring semester.”

Plastic Free Plan-It

Hosted by: Keep Grand Prairie Beautiful, City of Grand Prairie Solid Waste and Recycling Department and Grand Prairie Independent School District

About: Fundraiser to help purchase 420 recycling bins made of recycled steel for Grand Prairie ISD.

When: Nov. 3

Where: Uptown Theater, 120 E. Main St. 

Matinee: Doors open at 11 a.m. Event includes showing of the movie A Plastic Ocean starting at 12:45 p.m.; displays of recycled material artwork; education on plastic recycling and use; snacks and drinks available for purchase; swag. $7

Gala: Doors open at 6 p.m. 20-minute showing of the movie A Plastic Ocean; meet-and-greet with legendary free diver and film star, Tanya Streeter; displays of recycled material artwork; string quartet and drumline from GPISD; recycled materials fashion show; hors-d'oeuvres and drinks (some drinks are 21+ only); education of plastic recycling and use; merchandise for sale. $35.

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