Students accept role as Earth's caretakers
by JESSICA L. FINCH Associate Editor

RAPID READERS - Linda Randazzo, director of the Huntington Learning Center on Main Street, acknowledges Keith Rubinstein, 13, and Iaona Mullen, 13, for being two of the top readers in the summer program. Both completed five books. Photo by John Rusac

This week marks the first week of classes for the 2006-07 school year, as well as the start of a new recycling program for many area schools.

Abitibi Paper Retriever, a free community paper recycling program that provides organizations with a source of revenue, is currently being offered in 28 Amherst schools.

Schools receive funding from the company based on the amount of recyclable papers collected. To date, Williamsville and Sweet Home are taking part, and Amherst is expected to sign on

''soon. Catholic and private schools have also joined the Abitibi effort.

Marianne Maines, principal of SS. Peter and Paul School, said since the school started the program in the fall of 2005 it has collected 54.77 tons, raising $784 for the school.

"We are averaging four tons a month - one of the top collectors in the area," she said, adding that there are 440 students at the school.

She said the program has taught the students the importance of recycling, and they have really taken charge of the effort.

"The children have set a good example, and it has worn off on parents and members of the parish who are now bringing in donations," Maines said. "The enthusiasm has spread, and children are taught that they are the caretakers of the Earth."

An assembly will be held the second week of school to refresh the students on the recycling program. Maines said there was a need, which Abitibi filled, for a recycling program at the school.

While Abitibi was founded 10 years ago in Texas, it is fairly new to this area. Susan Attridge, area manager for the company, said the paper is used to make 100 percent recycled newsprint.

The Bee Group Newspapers is one of the Western New York businesses taking part in the program. Attridge said when businesses make their paper donations the money generated is donated to not-for-profit organizations.

Locally the schools have been supportive of the program, as have local residents, who can make donations at any drop-off point. The large green and yellow bins, similar to a Dumpster, are placed outside of the schools, and donations can be dropped off by residents. The four Amherst libraries are also involved in the program.

"The general rule of thumb has been that 1 ton of paper recycled saves 14 trees," Attridge said.

Through Abitibi, not only is the environment being preserved, but organizations can also raise funds, she added.

Abitibi Paper Retriever efforts save an estimated 8.5 million cubic yards of landfill space each year in North America and the United Kingdom. In 2005, the company paid more than $3.1 million to nonprofit organizations.

For more information on Abitibi visit www.paper retriever. com.