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June 19, 2006
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Theresa Pacheco's Green Belt Project helped redirect a mountain of trash away from the landfill and into a successful recycling program. |
Theresa Pacheco admits that she hardly thought of herself as an “environmentalist.” She recycled occasionally, but like many of us, didn’t make it a priority. But that’s changed now thanks to a successful Green Belt project that has become a model for other Rhode Island businesses.
As corporate and executive services coordinator at Textron world headquarters in Providence, RI, Pacheco wanted to tackle a Green Belt project that could really make a difference to the company.
And she found it right in front of her. Every day, Textron produces a small mountain of trash: plastic water bottles, soda cans, paper cups, discarded mail, newspapers, cardboard. All of these could be recycled, but such a large scale change had ever been attempted at the Providence office.
Pacheco found Rhode Island Resource Recovery Corporation (RIRRC), a state environmental agency that funds and manages the State of Rhode Island’s recycling program. In part, the agency earns revenue through the sale of recyclable products.
As she began research for the project, one large hurdle became apparent: recycle bins would cost money that her budget simply didn’t have. She’d have to find some way to provide the bins throughout the building.
“RIRRC offered to provide recycling containers at no cost: blue containers for plastics, cans, and bottles; green containers for paper.” These were placed throughout the building in offices, lunchrooms, even hallways. To make it easier for employees, Pacheco asked RIRRC to cut round circles on container lids for bottles and cans, and slits on container lids for paper.
Through Pacheco’s initiative, Textron became the first Providence office building to participate in their program.
Education was crucial. “RIRRC led employee training sessions, emphasizing bin utilization and recycling tips like using ceramic mugs instead of paper cups,” said Pacheco. “And fliers were handed out with more tips.”
RIRRC also trained Hurley Janitorial Services, which handles evening maintenance for the building. “We needed their full cooperation too,” said Pacheco. “Anyone touching recyclables had to do their part to make this work.”
Building management performed quarterly random audits – checking containers to insure proper use, and monitoring recycle material weigh-in reports provided by RIRRC.
In February, 3.5 tons of recycled materials were collected. By the end of first full month of the project, 9.9 tons of recyclables had been collected – that’s about the same as two full-grown African elephants. At this rate, it is estimated that Textron will recycle 86 tons by the end of this year. That’s 86 tons that won’t end up in a landfill.
“We commend Textron for taking a leadership position,” said Sherry Mulhearn, executive director of RIRRC. “The company is a shining star in our eyes and will serve as an example to other Rhode Island businesses that recycling programs are worth the investment.”
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