Alcoa, Tenn. – In celebration of Arbor Day, Earth Day and World Environment Day, Alcoa Tennessee Operations employees are joining their colleagues around the world to volunteer for environmental projects during Green Works, which officially runs April 21 to June 21. Green Works is an initiative of the Alcoa Foundation to help reduce the carbon footprint, recycle to save energy, and plant trees to replenish the environment.
Green Works was launched in 2011 to support several environmental initiatives at Alcoa, including: Earthwatch Institute, Ten Million Trees, Make an Impact and Electronic Recyclers International, which focus on Alcoa’s core environmental priorities to Reduce, Recycle and Replenish.
“Green Works is a great program to get more Alcoans and our community involved in our quest to improve the environment,” said Ken McMillen, Alcoa Tennessee Operations Location Manager. “We will encourage more recycling and work to beautify our surroundings.”
Alcoans at Tennessee Operations have kicked off Green Works a few days early with several community events. On Wednesday, April 17, 32 volunteers from the company participated at the Area 13 Special Olympics hosted by Parks and Recreation. Alcoa has participated for many years with Special Olympics, but this is the first year volunteers have handed out canned water to participants. In addition to handing out 36 cases of its signature canned water, Alcoa volunteers supported a recycling booth, cheered on the athletes, handed out medals to winners and helped with registration.
“Handing out our canned water at community events is more than just a way to refresh the crowds,” said McMillen. “It’s a chance for us to engage with the public about the importance of recycling aluminum and other renewable resources.”
Additionally, on Thursday, April 18, 30 volunteers participated in a beautification project with members of the Hall community. Alcoa volunteers spruced up two community sign planters with day lilies, rose bushes and six new crepe myrtle trees.
Other events scheduled for the duration of Green Works include:
•Water donation and recycling awareness booth at Union Grove Middle School health fair in May
•Garden project at entrance of Alcoa’s North Plant administration building in honor of recent company retirees.
•Partnership projects with Blount County Habitat for Humanity.
These efforts are among hundreds of service projects expected to take place in Alcoa communities across more than 20 countries.
During Green Works last year, Alcoans contributed more than 33,000 hours of time to volunteer in communities around the world.
Additionally, in recognition of Green Works and in celebration of Alcoa’s 125th anniversary, for every “like” of Alcoa Foundation’s Facebook page, www.facebook.com/alcoamonthofservice, the Foundation will plant a tree in your honor.
For more information on Alcoa’s Green Works and community programs visitwww.alcoafoundation.com/greenworks.