The Wild Bird Center at Willow Grove was recently voted Philadelphia’s Best Enviro-Friendly Place in the 2008 Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks program. Criteria for the program include a commitment to environmental causes, along with a family friendly attitude towards making an environmental difference in the community.

(PRWEB) The Wild Bird Center at Willow Grove was recently voted Philadelphia’s Best Enviro-Friendly Place in the 2008 Nickelodeon’s Parents’ Picks program. Criteria for the program include a commitment to environmental causes, along with a family friendly attitude towards making an environmental difference in the community.

“We think about our carbon footprint everyday at The Wild Bird Center, replacing regular light bulbs with compact fluorescents and recycling above and beyond what is required by a retail store, just to name a few things” states owner, Marsha Pearson. “We have even noticed a difference in our air conditioning needs because of these positive changes.” The Wild Bird Center also offers used cell phone drop off and recycling. “Usable phones will be utilized in the 911 service program and distributed to the elderly or abused. Non-usable phones are responsibly recycled. It’s a win-win situation,” notes Pearson. Recycled, made in the USA tote bags are available at the store, and they will soon be introducing healthy food choices for dogs and cats along with eco-friendly pet toys and dog beds.

Ms. Pearson serves on the board of two local nature areas, Briar Bush Nature Center and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association, and is active with Morris Arboretum. According to Ms. Pearson, the store’s discount program, which offers a savings of 10% to any nature center member, is a real incentive that encourages people to join their local environmental organizations.

With the Wild Bird Center’s “go green” attitude and support of local environmental organizations, it’s easy to see what makes this terrific place an important community resource. “We are proud to have Marsha Pearson honored for her sincere, innovative and environmentally friendly approach to retailing.” says Henrik Lehmann Weng, CEO of Wild Bird Centers of American, Inc. “Part of our recent success stems from the earnest “feel good, do good” experiences our customers get when frequenting our stores.” explains Weng. “Marsha Pearson’s store is a prime example of that.”

Established in 1985, Wild Bird Centers of America, Inc. WBCA (www.wildbird.com ) is a specialized franchisor with more than 80 stores in the U.S. and Canada. Each Wild Bird Center retailer is dedicated to helping customers develop a better backyard bird feeding experience, by providing the finest, field-tested products, outstanding customer service, and expert advice. Wild Bird Centers also serve as an active community resource, providing demonstrations, educational workshops and children’s programs. For more information contact Barbara Beck, Director of Marketing/Communications, 301-229-9585, x202.