(Virginia Beach, VA) - Despite pouring rain on Saturday, January 21, volunteers and staff from the Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center, TFC Recycling and Goodwill Industries of Central Virginia, helped 550 cars unload their e-cycling equipment at the Aquarium’s east parking lot. The ‎31 tons of electronics was the largest amount collected to date. Participant Mary Witwer shared that she had convinced her husband to part with four monitors, two printers, DVD players and other stored times. “It was great to have the opportunity to send them off for utilization by others,” Witwer said.   “I was amazed to see all the semi-trucks at the event. Everyone was so happy, friendly and appreciative, even in the rain.” Electronic recycling events help to divert electronic “waste” away from landfills and back into the economy. To date, the Aquarium’s e-cycling events have collected more than 161 tons of electronic material since this program’s inception in September 2009. The Virginia Aquarium E-cycling program received the 2011 Virginia Green Travel Star Most Innovative Green Project Award. E-cycling events are held twice each year at the Virginia Aquarium. The mission of the Virginia Aquarium is to inspire conservation of the marine environment through education, research and sustainable practices. The Virginia Aquarium & Marine Science Center is among the first attractions in the state to become certified as a Virginia Green Attraction. Visit www.virginiaaquarium.com or call (757)385-0262 for more E-cycling Event information.
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(Virginia Aquarium, VA) – It is probably safe to say that nearly everyone loves being by the sea. Whether it is gazing at a distant view, walking along the shore, or viewing into an aquarium, there is a natural attraction and resulting peacefulness. So according to marine biologist Wallace J. Nichols, Ph.D., why not capture that “blue mind” and use our brains to conserve the ocean. To hear more about his passionate theories, real research and life experiences, attend The Eleanor & Henry Watts Speaker Series on Sunday, February 19, at 2 p.m. in the Virginia Aquarium 3D IMAX® Theater. The hour-long presentation, “Going Blue: Get your Mind on Using Our Brain to Conserve the Ocean,” is free.