GIVE YOUR SUMMER VACATION BUDGET A BOOST AND DO YOUR PART TO BE GREEN

BELLEVUE, Wash. – More than one in five Americans (23 percent) say they cash in their loose change when preparing to go on vacation, according to the Coinstar National Currency Poll. And with the average U.S. household having about $90 in change sitting idle, it might be a good time to use that found money to help fund a summer vacation or outing.

"As people are becoming more aware of their carbon footprint, and fuel costs continue to rise, summer road trips are on the decline -- but we all still want to take advantage of the summer vacation season," said Alex Camara, general manager of worldwide coin at Coinstar, Inc. "One easy way to create some extra spending money for summer fun is to cash in your coin jar. You'll not only be boosting your budget, but you'll be helping the planet by putting your coins back into circulation."

An estimated $10 billion in coin is sitting idle in U.S. households and if Americans reused even 10 percent, that could supply roughly 15 billion coins. By putting coins back into circulation, individuals can reduce the need for copper used in new coin production.

Other Green and Money Saving Tips for the Summer

If you're renting a car on vacation, consider a Hybrid. Many national rental car companies offer this choice.
Stay hydrated, but forego the plastic bottled water and bring your own reusable bottle; fill up with water at your hotel or the airport.
Consider a 'Staycation' this year – take the family to a local campground or amusement park. Or visit local tourist spots that you only think to visit when company is in town.
Locate an eco-friendly hotel for your travels – they’re not hard to find, but some are greener than others; check out their Web site or ask a few simple questions when booking to understand their green practices.
Do your part by asking the hotel not to clean your towels/linen every day and if you don’t have recycling in your room, ask the hotel if they have offer.
If traveling by car, why not bring along your bicycles? When you get to your destination travel by bike or on foot.
Make sure your car is tuned up and tires properly inflated before you start your trip. And by driving the speed limit you’ll save fuel and money.

Coinstar Center self-service coin counting machines can be found at more than 14,000 locations in the United States. Consumers can quickly find the Coinstar Center closest to their home to recycle change by visiting the machine locator at www.coinstar.com.

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Note to Editors:
The equivalency calculations contained in this press release are based on the standard weight and fixed metal composition of all U.S. coins containing copper. Values represent avoided environmental impacts of primary copper production. Values are approximate and equivalency factors were developed by the Sustainable Research Group by extrapolating from life cycle assessment data available for primary copper production.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Sydney Siegmeth
Porter Novelli
(206) 770-7011
sydney.siegmeth@porternovelli.com

Sarah Jones
Coinstar, Inc.
(425) 943-8121
sjones@coinstar.com