CINCINNATI, OH (July 2007) – Duro Bag Manufacturing Company, the number one paper bag manufacturer in the world, was one of several organizations invited to share their message of conservation at the 6^th annual Ohio River Way Paddlefest on July 6 at Four Seasons Marina. Paddlefest, a two-day event to protect, promote and celebrate the Ohio River, kicked off with a kids-only Expo that featured presentations on boating safety, the environment and conservation.

 

 

 

Duro Bag distributed brown paper bags, created in partnership with the Cincinnati Art Museum, featuring a mask designed by artist Saul Steinberg and these “masks” could be seen being enjoyed by children throughout the event. The Duro Bag booth was one of several stops the children had to make as part of a scavenger hunt and they had to answer the question “Which bag (paper or plastic) is most likely to be recycled and less likely to harm the environment if littered or blown away?” Studies have shown that consumers recycle paper at a rate of 26% per ton versus just 0.4% for plastic.

 

“We are here today to promote paper bags as more environmentally friendly option at the checkout counter,” said Dave Wegert, a Duro Bag representative at the event. “We have seen that many of our customers are switching back to paper because they provide a greener image and are more likely to be recycled.”

 

“The purpose of this expo is to connect the kids to the River through a fun event,” said Heather Mayfield, a member of the Paddlefest 2007 leadership team. “Our hope is that if they learn about ways to protect the environment and the river in a fun way, they will be more likely to take the lessons to heart.”

 

Paddlefest is one of several events Duro Bag plans to attend throughout the country this year as part of their environmental outreach program to promote paper as a renewable, sustainable resource. They were joined at the Paddlefest by Cincinnati Nature Center, Hamilton County Environmental Services, Hamilton County Park District, Ohio River Foundation, Western Wildlife Corridor, and Ohio River Valley Water Sanitation Commission (ORSANCO).

 

In June, Duro Bag introduced the only 100% Recycled Paper Handle Bag available in North America. These bags offer an alternative to retailers faced with the growing pressure to provide environmentally-sensitive choices while meeting the needs of consumers who want to do what’s right for the environment. The 100% Recycled Paper is exclusive to North America.