E.P.A. WELCOMES CAMBRIDGE 'PARTNER'

BOSTON -- The E.P.A. has announced that Cambridge, Mass.-based Recycline, Incorporated is one of 3 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 E.P.A. recognition.

The E.P.A. is recognizing Recycline for its efforts to promote recycling both in and outside its company walls. Recycline manufacturers and sells toothbrushes with handles made of 85 percent recycled plastic and packages them in reusable containers. The company encourages consumers to return the used toothbrush by supplying postage paid envelopes to their retailers. Through a comprehensive in-house program, the company also recycles nearly 70 percent of all its trash.

"The efforts undertaken by Recycline prove 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 Recycline'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, Incorporated of Methuen, Massachusetts and Monadnock Paper Mills of Bennington, N.H. are the other 2 companies named as the EPA's 1st "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 acknowledged as a partner, an organization must implement a plan 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 gain 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 E.P.A. publicly acknowledges the organization's environmental contribution through the media, an yearly "partners expo" and other outlets.

To sign up for "Partners for Change," or for more information about the plan 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 E.P.A. help lines. The pocketbook also includes plan requirements and an application.

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