1000 pounds of plastic later, Connie Grenz gets her bench

Last May, Connie Grenz set out to recycle plastic bags. Soon, she’ll have bench to show for it.

Grenz, a persistent volunteer who also runs Boulder’s weekly Farmer’s Market, already had led the community’s drive to collect and recycle #1 and #2 plastic containers. Her new effort, under the aegis of the Boulder Area Chamber of Commerce, was aimed at stretchable plastic bags – like those from grocery and department stores.

Trex Company, which makes composite decking, outdoor furniture and other products from recycled plastics, offered community entrepreneurs like Grenz a challenge: Collect 1000 pounds of recyclable bags within a year, and win a 48” outdoor bench.