Press Release Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 11, 2008

For More Information Contact
Christine Vilardo
Ardmore Initiative
Ardmore, Pennsylvania
Tel: 610-645-0540
Fax: 610-645-0662
christine@theardmoreinitiative.org

The Ardmore Initiative expands upon their Cigarette Litter Prevention Program

Ardmore, Pennsylvania —The Executive Director of the Ardmore Initiative, and affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., is proud to announce that is has once again adopted the national Cigarette Litter Prevention Program for local use.

Keep America Beautiful's Cigarette Litter Prevention Program was developed after identifying cigarette litter [cigarettes, packaging and lighting material] as the most littered items found in cleanups around the country. Best practices in America and abroad were studied, field-testing was conducted in thirteen communities around the country and results confirmed the program will be a success in any size community.

The Ardmore Initiative and Lower Merion Township became a Keep America Beautiful affiliate in 2007.

Executive Director Christine Vilardo said, "The Ardmore Cigarette Litter Prevention Program was launched last year. Due to its success, we have decided to expand the program even further this year. With the arrival of several new restaurants, and Lower Merion Township's encouragement of restaurants going voluntarily smoke-free, halting cigarette litter has become a priority. Ash receptacles have been installed throughout the downtown, and local businesses will be distributing FREE pocket ashtrays to adult smokers."

Ash receptacles can be found at the Bus Stops on Lancaster Ave. and Argyle Rd., Ardmore and Lancaster Aves., and the stop near the VW Dealership. New business participants this year include Yeats' Pub, Brownie's, Milkboy Coffee, IHOP Restaurant, John Henry's Pub, Lynn Scott Salon and the Law Office of Anna Durbin.

"We thank the businesses who are working with us to help keep our downtown cigarette litter free," said Ms. Vilardo. Any businesses which would like an ash urn free of charge are encouraged to contact the Ardmore Initiative at 610-645-0540 or email Christine Vilardo at christine@theardmoreinitiative.org.

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