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EPA WELCOMES NEW HAMPSHIRE 'PARTNER'

Release Date: 08/13/1997
Contact Information: Leo Kay, Press Office, (617)918-4154

BOSTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that Bennington, N.H.-based Monadnock Paper Mills is one of three inaugural participants in the agency's new "Partners for Change" program, which encourages New England businesses and municipalities to explore and implement responsible environmental practices in return for EPA recognition.

The EPA is recognizing Monadnock for its waste and water use reduction projects, and its employee education program. As part of Monadnock's orientation program, all new employees receive information on the company's recycling program, waste minimization efforts, path of waste treatment and disposal, and a tour of the wastewater treatment plant and waste collection areas. In addition, the company's environmental department regularly reports on the progress of pollution prevention efforts in the company newsletter.

In its waste reduction program, Monadnock runs a tracking program that measures the "solids" (raw materials) that are lost from the papermaking process. The process has resulted in a steady decline of materials that are lost since 1991. A similar program has been set up to track and reduce water usage.

"The efforts undertaken by Monadnock Paper Mills shows that businesses can green the economy while staying in the black," said John P. DeVillars, administrator of the EPA's New England office. "I hope success stories like Monadnock's will inspire other regional businesses and municipalities to jump on board the environmental partnership train that is gathering steam in New England."

Tri Star Technologies, Inc. of Methuen, Mass. and Recycline, Inc. of Cambridge, Mass. are the other two companies named as the EPA's first "Partners for Change".

"Partners for Change" is open to any business, municipality or organized group in New England.

Small businesses are especially encouraged to apply. To be recognized as a partner, an organization must implement a project or activity that results in a long-term environmentally beneficial change to its daily operations. Such efforts can include waste reduction practices, recycling programs or other efforts that help green the work place.

Partners receive a certificate and window decal, and are featured in a business-to-business directory that lists all participating organizations. In return for joining the program, the EPA publicly recognizes the organization's environmental contribution through the media, an annual "partners expo" and other outlets.

To sign up for "Partners for Change," or for more information about the program call 1(800)906-3328. Request the "environmental pocketbook," a resource guide with useful tips on recycling, energy efficiency and waste reduction, as well as phone, e-mail and worldwide web listings of EPA help lines. The pocketbook also includes program requirements and an application.