Girl Scouts with Tamaqua's Service Unit 310 combined their message of "going green" during a recent celebration held at the Tamaqua YMCA in recognition of the hundred years of girl scouting. The event, which consisted of Earth Day projects, activities, games and food, was sponsored and held following the launching of the Girl Scouts of the USA Girl Scouts Forever Green, its signature 100th year anniversary action project focused on waste reduction, energy conservation and rain gardens. Alcoa Foundation provided a two-year $1.5 million grant to expand the program globally to 20 countries. Organizers stated the grant enables local and international councils to work together and lead their families, schools and communities in improving the environment and protecting natural resources.

The Girl Scouts website states that Girl Scouts of USA is harnessing its members' passion for preserving natural resources by engaging in this global community action project, focused on making a significant impact on the environment, such as reduce waste, earth hour and rain gardens. Throughout the year, Girl Scouts across the globe are identifying and leading service projects and events focused on the environmental priorities in their local communities."Although our girls might be famous for wearing the color green, it's clear that they are enthusiastic about "going green" and working to preserve our natural resources," said Anna Maria Chavez, CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA. "As an organization committed to helping girls become leaders, who make a difference in the world, we couldn't ignore their passion for the environment and the generous contribution from Alcoa Foundation provides an outlet for girls to funnel their ecological energies."The Girl Scouts Forever Green 100th Anniversary Take Action Project was created after Girl Scouts research found that an overwhelming number of girls said protecting the environment is a top priority. This was proven during the program's pilot years, when the national effort saved more than 1.8 million kWh of energy, eliminated more than 2.8 million pounds of CO2, eliminated over 700,000 pounds of waste and saved nearly 200,000 gallons of water."The Girl Scouts provide young women with leadership experience and opportunities to engage on critical national and international issues like environmental education," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, quoted online. "Working with our young people and programs like Energy Star to preserve energy and cut pollution are the first steps in building a cleaner, more sustainable future. The EPA is proud to be working with such an important organization and to be empowering these young women to shape their future and the future of our planet."A volunteer for 13 years, Nancy Paisley, Service Unit Manager, Unit 310, stressed that the Tamaqua Girl Scouts are over 30 years old and currently consist of about 165 girls, ranging from kindergarten to 12th grade. She also pointed out her appreciation to all the families, volunteers and especially the scouts for all their hard work during the celebration and various Forever Green community projects held in Tamaqua and surrounding communities.Founded in 1912, Girl Scouts of the USA has been a staple leadership development organization for girls, with 3.2 million girl and adult members worldwide. Their scouts website stated that they are also the leading authority on girls' healthy development and continue to build girls' courage, confidence and character. The organization, which serves girls in every state, also serves American girls and their classmates attending American or international schools overseas in 90 countries. For more information on how to join, volunteer, reconnect or donate to Girl Scouts, call (800) GSUSA 4 U, or Nancy Paisley at 570-678-516, or visit

www.girlscouts.org. To take the Girl Scouts Forever Green Pledge, visit

http://www.girlscouts.org/gsforevergreen/gsfg-pledge.asp.