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EPA WELCOMES METHUEN 'PARTNER'

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

BOSTON -- The Environmental Protection Agency has announced that Methuen, Mass.-based Tri-Star Technologies Company, Inc. 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 Tri-Star -- a printed circuit board manufacturer -- for its multi-faceted approach to such issues as energy conservation, solid waste disposal, recycling of spent material, hazardous waste minimization, water conservation, waste water treatment plant operations and chemical use.

One of the company's changes in the way it manufactures printed wire circuit boards has resulted in an 86 percent reduction in the use of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs. The move also saved the company nearly $500,000 in annual operating costs. As a result of measures undertaken to improve energy efficiency, Tri-Star reduced its annual carbon dioxide emissions by more than 181,000 pounds while saving $13,352 in energy costs.

"The efforts undertaken by Tri-Star prove definitively 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 Tri-Star's will inspire other regional businesses and municipalities to jump on board the environmental partnership train that is gathering steam in New England."

Monadnock Paper Mills, Inc. of Bennington, N.H. 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.