Citizens to Retire the Penny Launches New Website -- Grassroots Group Renews Effort to Halt Production of the United States Penny

    CAMBRIDGE, MA, July 17, 2012 /24-7PressRelease/ -- Citizens to Retire the Penny, an independent organization aimed at phasing out the U.S. penny, has unveiled a redesigned website at www.RetireThePenny.org. Reenergized by Canada's recent decision to cease production of its one-cent piece, the non-partisan, grassroots group is redoubling efforts to raise awareness and engage supporters.

According to Professor Jeff Gore, MIT physicist and Citizens to Retire the Penny founder, the revamped site has two goals: to educate the public about the high cost and low value of the penny, and to motivate people to take action.

Gore said, "We have been talking about this issue for years in America. In the meantime, many other countries have determined that one-cent production, or its material equivalent, is simply not fiscally sound. These nations have eliminated coins without issue."

Citizens to Retire the Penny argues that the coin is an enormous waste of money, noting that the United States spent $120 million to produce $50 million in pennies in 2011 alone.

"Especially in the current economy, the U.S. government cannot afford to waste so many millions of dollars to mint a coin that cannot really buy anything anymore," said Gore.

The website also decries the penny as a waster of time, noting that the seconds it takes for consumers to dig through pockets and purses for exact change adds up--for them as well as the people in line behind them.

Recognizing the sentimental attachment many have toward the penny, the website takes a light-hearted approach. It features colorful images of a penny mascot golfing, lounging in a hammock, and relaxing on a beach--in other words, enjoying retirement.

On a new "Take Action" section of the website, users can download the retired penny graphics for use on their own websites or Facebook pages. In addition, storeowners who would like their establishments to be "penny-free" can download a flyer bearing that message.

Another feature makes it easy for people to ask their state representatives to support legislation to stop production of the coin.

Gore noted, "Congress is where this type of change must take place, but it is up to the citizens to let their representatives know that this issue is important."

To learn more about Citizens to Retire the Penny, visit www.RetireThePenny.org.

Citizens to Retire the Penny is a non-partisan organization dedicated to educating the public on the advantages of retiring the penny from general circulation.

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