Image courtesy of Continental Airlines

The world’s fifth largest airline Continental Airlines has announced an 800 percent increase in the effectiveness of its 2009 recycling programs compared to 2008.

So far in 2009, the airline has collected 4+ million pounds of mixed recyclables from terminal operations at its Houston Bush Intercontinental, New York/Newark Liberty and Cleveland Hopkins hubs.  Mixed recyclables include newspapers, cans and plastic bottles contributed by co-workers and customers via designated “EcoSkies” recycling bins in hub airport terminals.

Says Leah Raney, Continental’s managing director of global environmental affairs:

“While Continental has had a robust recycling program for more than a decade, we have made substantial enhancements to the program throughout 2008 and 2009, increasing recycling onboard our aircraft, at our airport terminals and at other supporting facilities, like our food service kitchens. We have had strong encouragement and support from our co-workers and customers, and we are excited to see such great results from our expanded recycling program.”

In 2009, Continental Airlines has:

• Recycled enough aluminum to build 20 Boeing 777 airplanes.

• Saved more than 584,300 trees.

• Saved enough water to meet the monthly freshwater needs of 106,900 homes.

• Saved enough energy to heat and cool more than 49,600 homes.

• Reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 35,208 metric tons.

• Reduced carbon footprint to landfills by saving 116,900 cubic yards of  waste.

Proceeds from the recycling program are re-invested in the program or donated to We Care, a nonprofit charity organization that supports Continental employees in need.

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