Please help keep the recycling centers open in KCMO!

We the undersigned wish to continue city funding for the Kansas City Community Recycling Centers.
Recently, the City of Kansas City, Missouri released the proposed budget for next year.  For the second consecutive year, the Kansas City Community Recycling Centers, which are operated by the local, non-profit organization, Bridging the Gap, was again excluded from the budget.  With its staff comprised mainly of volunteers, Bridging the Gap has partnered with the city for more than 17 years to provide recycling services and environmental education to citizens.  Across the U.S., many cities support recycling drop-off sites as a way to allow all citizens to participate in recycling.  The EPA lists the following as benefits of recycling:

• Recycling protects and expands U.S. manufacturing jobs and increases U.S. competitiveness.
• Recycling reduces the need for landfilling and incineration.
• Recycling prevents pollution caused by the manufacturing of products from virgin materials.
• Recycling saves energy.
• Recycling decreases emissions of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change.
• Recycling conserves natural resources such as timber, water, and minerals.
• Recycling helps sustain the environment for future generations.

With the recent signing of the Climate Protection Plan, the City of Kansas City, Missouri has made a commitment to the environment.  Even in these difficult fiscal times, the city should continue funding green programs such as the recycling center drop-off sites to show its environmental commitment, to directly engage citizens in becoming involved in environmental programs, to increase community pride, and to attract people to move to this up-and-coming green city.  
As concerned citizens, we have signed below to avidly support this environmental program and to encourage the City of Kansas City, Missouri to budget for this program for next year and for years to come.  Thank you for your time and consideration.