San Jose,

Robinson Oil Corporation donated $1,172, representing the proceeds from the sale of paper bags in its San Jose stores during the first year of San Jose’s new single-use plastic bag ban, to Guadalupe River Park Conservancy.

Robinson Oil Corporation CEO Tom Robinson explained his decision, saying, “Donating the fees from the San Jose bag ordinance was a way to help Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, and also a way to let our customers know it was not a fee Rotten Robbie was attempting to benefit from.”

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, which has adopted the river from Coleman Avenue to Hwy 880 under Santa Clara Valley Water District’s Adopt-a-Creek program, applied the donation to its volunteer efforts. Executive Director Leslee Hamilton noted, “We really appreciate the Rotten Robbie funds. We do monthly river clean ups and have seen a huge reduction in the number of plastic bags since the ban went into effect. The river looks better and is a healthier habitat for birds, fish, and other wildlife.”

San Jose Ordinance 28877 was adopted by the San Jose City Council on December 14, 2010, and bans retail stores, that sell perishable and non-perishable goods, from offering single-use plastic bags. Stores may still provide paper bags made of 40% post-consumer recycled material and charge a minimum of 10 cents for each bag.

Robinson Oil Corporation is a locally owned, fourth generation company operating Rotten Robbie gas stations and convenience stores throughout Northern California.

Guadalupe River Park Conservancy is a non-profit organization that provides community leadership for the development and active use of San Jose’s central park through education, advocacy and stewardship. www.guadalupeconservancy.org