CRI Staff and Consultants
Founded in 1991, CRI has become recognized as the expert source for information on container recycling and container deposit systems, and plays a vital role in educating policymakers, government officials, and the general public regarding the social and environmental impacts of the production and disposal of one-way beverage containers. CRI also works to debunk myths about container recycling promoted by the beverage, retail, and container manufacturing industries.
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Jenny Gitlitz, Research Director Jenny has been a recycling practitioner, researcher, teacher, and activist since 1985. She has implemented curbside recycling programs in two California cities, has been the lead organizer for several recycling conferences, and has spoken and published widely. Jenny received masters degrees from the University of California-Berkeley and from Clark University in Worcester, MA, where her academic research focused on the environmental and social effects of the primary aluminum and hydroelectric industries. Prior to joining CRI in 2001, Jenny was the executive director of the Massachusetts Recycling Coalition. |
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Chris Sparnicht, Web Consultant Chris started in the environmental non-profit world working as office administrator for The GrassRoots Recycling Network in 1998. Since then he has branched out to help other non-profits develop concise, clear and easily navigable websites as a consulting webmaster. In coordination with CRI staff and interns, he has helped develop the general look and feel of CRI's two websites, container-recycling.org and bottlebill.org. Chris has been married for 16 years, and is currently pursuing a Masters in Landscape Architecture at the University of Georgia in Athens. |
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Valerie Hoy , Webmaster Joining CRI as an intern in 2005, this native Ohioan decided to stay in DC for the long haul, and now she practices her creativity part-time as CRI's Webmaster and administrative assistant. Valerie is currently enrolled in the Publications Design program at the University of Baltimore, studying for her Master's degree. She also works at an organic market in College Park, Maryland. |
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Patricia Franklin, Founder and retired Executive Director A former teacher and political activist, Pat founded the Container Recycling Institute in 1991 after advocating for container deposit legislation at the local, state and national level for 15 years. Pat is recognized as an expert on container recycling and bottle bills, and has spoken and written widely on the issue. She has served on numerous local and national boards, including the Virginia Forestry Board (as an appointee of Governor Gerry Baliles), the Parks and Conservation Association Advisory Board, the National Recycling Coalition, the Virginia Forum, and the American Forum. |