Recycled Billboards Become Bags!

(3BL Media / theCSRfeed) - Minneapolis, MN - June 21, 2011 - Relan LLP announced it will partner with Verizon (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), on an initiative to collect vinyl from Verizon billboards and banners and re-purpose it to create totes, bags, and other useful and unique sustainable products.

The program is part of Verizon’s comprehensive sustainability program designed to find practical and innovative solutions to reduce the carbon footprint of its global operations.

“This partnership highlights the creative opportunities available by incorporating sustainability efforts throughout our business operation,” said James Gowen, Verizon’s chief sustainability officer. “We are proud to partner with Relan on this valuable project, and will continue to seek ways to help our business and our customers reduce their impact on the environment.”

Under the partnership, Relan LLP, Minneapolis, MN, will collect used Verizon vinyl and use that material to create various products, including messenger bags, totes, phone/camera holders, pad folios; virtually any design that can be stitched.  The products can then be sold back to Verizon or sold and distributed to other companies and individuals by Relan.

The Relan LLP has been a pioneer in billboard repurposing since 1994.  Customers include Whole Foods, MillerCoors, Steamboat, Chipotle, The Smithsonian, Lexus, Scion, Disney, and the Sundance Film Festival. www.relanbag.com

About Relan LLP.
Our goal is fairly simple. With over 600,000 tons of outdoor billboards produced in the USA each year, Relan extends marketing initiatives by re-purposing a company's own billboard vinyl into an item that will tell their  green sustainability story much more effectively. Our experience allows for unique American-made design alternatives that encompass not only our legendary tote, but also products specific to our clients needs: cell phone/digital camera holders, conference pad folios, ski bags, corporate-function umbrellas (complete with bamboo support poles), aprons, grill covers, and much more - almost any design can be stitched. Working with organizations such as Lexus, Scion, The Sundance Film Festival, Target, and The Smithsonian, Relan has green solutions to help companies do good for the Earth as well as themselves.

Relan has an additional mission. Approximately 60% of every billboard is made into product, with the remainder of the vinyl needing to be recycled in some manner. Relan has designed a versatile World Bag that will be sold in the western world. For every World Bag sold, a slightly larger version will be built out of that remaining 40% and given away to someone in need. The thought is that people walk and bike in most 3rd world countries and a tough, waterproof bag would assist them in their daily lives.

About Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE, Nasdaq: VZ), headquartered in New York, is a global leader in delivering broadband and other wireless and wireline communications services to mass market, business, government and wholesale customers.  Verizon Wireless operates America's most reliable wireless network, serving more than 92 million customers nationwide.  Verizon also provides converged communications, information and entertainment services over America's most advanced fiber-optic network, and delivers innovative, seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  A Dow 30 company, Verizon last year generated consolidated revenues of more than $107 billion.  For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

Contact

Tom Schaeppi

Relan LLP

763-656-8552

www.relanbag.com

GREE14749