Press Release

Simi Valley, February 3, 2010 - With the holiday season behind us, many singles and couples alike are looking ahead to the upcoming holiday of Valentine’s Day. Lavish dinners and plush toys usually mark this holiday, but Waste Management has compiled a list of tips to help you make sure you show love for our planet while showing love to your sweetheart!

1. Make your own cards: Thousands of cards are sent each year. Sure, the stationery can be both beautiful and alluring, but it is also expensive and often bad for the environment. Making your own cards can be rewarding and earn you brownie points later. Options like recycled paper and other materials allow for a creative streak pre-made cards don’t! If you choose a musical greeting card, remember to remove and recycle battery.

2. Give the gift of organic: Many of the gifts we give for Valentine’s Day often have fancy packaging, adding to the cost both to you and the environment. As an alternative, there are a variety of organic options ranging from flowers to chocolates to local farmer’s market fare that offer both beauty and practicality.

3. Help your love last: While flowers are beautiful and chocolates are delicious, they also last only a short time - and can ruin a diet plan! Why not add a testament to your lasting love by giving a potted plant, a self-made or decorated picture frame or album or an embroidered pillow?

4. Pampering is love: Don’t forget gifts are never limited to flowers, chocolates or jewelry. Both men and women alike can benefit from a pampering service, such as a massage, facial or manicure/pedicure. Many spas also offer couples specials, allowing both of you to indulge together. This cuts down on waste and stimulates the economy!

5. Lighting is key: Candles can add a special romantic touch to a romantic evening, saving on energy and the electric bill. When picking your candles, however, choosing soy or beeswax candles offer a cleaner alternative the Earth will thank you for later.

6. Cook together: Skip the hassle of a 3:00pm reservation (undoubtedly the only one left) for a cramped table by the kitchen and instead cook dinner together. No need for the mess of take-out when cooking together can be a fun, nutritious, and waste-less experience. By cooking your own meal, you can choose local, seasonal ingredients bound to offer the tastiest of meals. End with a chocolate cake or dip strawberries in chocolate for a scrumptious end to your meal!

“There are many ways to enjoy your Valentine’s Day without being wasteful - or spending a lot of money,” said Lisa Hemenway, spokesperson for Waste Management. “We at Waste Management will be ready for all your recyclables on February 15!”

For more information about recycling or to learn more about how we manage your recycling and waste needs, contact Lisa Hemenway at (805) 581-1746.

Waste Management provides Ventura County with recycling, trash hauling and solid waste disposal through G.I. Industries and the Simi Valley Landfill and Recycling Center. Waste Management has owned and operated G.I. Industries since 1998 and the SVLRC site since 1983 and employs more than 230 people in Ventura County. The SVLRC provides approximately 60% of Ventura County's daily refuse disposal needs. The company operates a "green power" program at the site that generates enough power for 2,500 homes, and clean-burning LNG powers 38 of its trucks. Waste Management is a significant contributor to area community groups. For more information visit our website www.keepingventuracountyclean.com.