Play It Again Sports keeps Earth Day principles yearlong April 22 is the 43rd anniversary of Earth Day — a global event that raises awareness about the importance of conserving, respecting and protecting the Earth’s natural resources. Play It Again Sports, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, is proud of its ongoing contribution to the principles of Earth Day – principles that are the driving force behind the sporting goods reseller’s business. In 2012, Play It Again Sports stores, including Play It Again Sports in Pacific Beach, purchased more than 1.55 million items of used sports gear and bicycles, clothing and equipment – items that didn’t go into local landfills and didn’t contribute to hazardous waste problems or the continued use of valuable raw materials related to the manufacturing of new items.  Included in the items purchased were sports gear like surfboards, wetsuits, bodyboards, baseball and lacrosse equipment; exercise equipment like P90X, yoga, stretch, kettle bells and free weights and outdoor activity gear like golf clubs, bicycles, snow sports equipment, beach gear and yard games. As a result, Play It Again Sports stores also put more than $30 million into the pockets of local families and individuals who brought in their quality used sports gear to sell or trade. Many of these families then spent those dollars to buy value-priced new equipment or gently used sporting goods brought in to the store by other local families. TJ Western, owner of Play It Again Sports of San Diego says, “This is recycling at its best. Usable items are returned to the community, rather than being discarded. Families can keep their children involved in sports without breaking the budget. And individuals who want to turn quality used sports equipment or bicycles into cash can do that, too.  In the end, the environment, the community and the children all benefit from what we do — and that’s a very satisfying business to be in.” For more information about Play It Again Sports in Pacific Beach, located at 1401 Garnet Ave., call (858) 490-0222, email [email protected], or visit www.PlayIt-AgainSportsSD.com.