Media Release

ALACHUA COUNTY, FL - The Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives is taking their Buy SMART (Save Money And Reduce Trash) program to local grocery stores from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Thursdays during the month of September 2010.  Representatives will be on hand to offer shoppers information about how to buy SMART.  The following is a list of locations and dates:

·         September 2: Publix - Williston Plaza, 5200 SW 34^th St., Gainesville

·         September 2: Publix - Steeplechase, 14130 W. Newberry Rd., Newberry

·         September 9: Hitchcock's, 15560 NW US Highway 441, Alachua

·         September 16: Hitchcock's, 24220 W Newberry Rd., Newberry

·         September 23: Pearl's Country Store and Barbecue, 106 NE Highway 441, Micanopy

Buy SMART focuses on using the 4Rs when shopping; reduce, reuse, recycle and rethink.  Shoppers learn to ask the following questions:

1.     Can the product's packaging be recycled after you are done?

2.     Can it be reused?

3.     Is it over packaged?

4.     Is the packaging made from recycled content?

 Shoppers who visit Buy SMART table will receive a free reusable shopping bag or shopping bag clip and a Buy SMART pocket guide.

For more information, contact Jennifer Seitz, Alachua County Office of Waste Alternatives at 352-548-1296.