Prov. encourages recycling with art

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) - Providence has started a new campaign to encourage recycling in the capital city.

Local artists were asked to use old refrigerators to send a message about recycling throughout their city.

The effort, called the Fine Art of Recycling Campaign, kicked off in Providence as a collaboration between the city and National Grid to promote old refrigerator and freezer recycling.

"We are doing this to highlight one of the things that Providence and Rhode Island is really famous for right now and that's energy efficiency," said Mike Ryan of National Grid.

National Grid has a refrigerator recycling program which offers a $50 rebate to those who responsibly recycle their old fridges and freezers.

"Recycling 1,000 refrigerators or freezers will save enough energy for more than 900 households in one year," said Providence Mayor Angel Taveras.

Taveras is committed to reducing the city's carbon footprint and is glad the community is getting involved.

"Not only is it good for the environment, it's good for the city," Taveras went on to say.

• From our news partners at The Providence Journal: Did you know that 95 percent of a refrigerator can be recycled?

Eight local artists were asked to create their own interpretation of recycling with the old refrigerators.

The sculptures are located throughout downtown Providence and people are asked to vote on their favorites. The winner will be announced on October 2.

For more information on the art exhibit and how to vote, visit the Fine Art of Recycling Campaign's website .