 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
August 7, 2006
Alcoa and FGBG launch environmental program to mark National Tree Day in Schools
|
|
|
Alcoa Point Henry, in partnership with Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens (FGBG) and Kommercial, today launched an environmental program which will help green Geelong primary and secondary schools in 2006.
The 2006 launch of the Alcoa Ten Million Trees Program at Newcomb Secondary College also helped mark National Tree Day in Schools.
The Alcoa Ten Million Trees Program involves Alcoa employees working with schools and planting trees to help improve the environment and beautify the region. Newcomb Secondary College will be the first school in 2006 to receive assistance with tree planting as part of the Alcoa Ten Million Trees Program.
Alcoa Point Henry Smelter Operations Manager Dr Jenny Purdie said Alcoa employees were encouraged to plant trees to contribute to the achievement of sustainability and to enhance the environment in the region.
“The Alcoa Ten Million Trees Program grew from the extraordinarily successful Alcoa One Million Trees Program which began in 1998 with the goal of Alcoa employees planting one million trees. However, Alcoa employees across 140 locations in 20 countries raced to that goal in half the expected time and so the Alcoa Ten Million Trees Program was born,” Dr Purdie said.
“We also have our gardening crew from Kommercial assisting us to plant trees and this year we are pleased to add the expertise of the Friends of the Geelong Botanic Gardens. This will facilitate a socially diverse and educational experience for the students.”
FGBG Education Officer Ro Noone said FGBG became partners of the Alcoa Ten Million Trees Program this year to help Alcoa reach its goals of planting 10 million trees and to also importantly help beautify schools.
“FGBG is proud to be part of a wonderful initiative which will help to also facilitate land management plans and also provide habitat for wildlife,” Ms Noone said.
“We will offer schools expert advice on tree selection and garden design while also assisting on the day of the tree plantings along with Alcoa employees and the gardening crew from Kommercial.”
For further information contact:
Brendan Foran
Community Relations Officer
Alcoa Point Henry Smelter and Alcoa ARP
P: 03 5245 1314
M: 0404 800 346
E: brendan.foran@alcoa.com.au
|
|
|
|
