E.P.A. WELCOMES GREENFIELD 'PARTNER'

BOSTON -- The E.P.A. has announced that Martins Farm Recycling of Greenfield, Massachusetts is a participant 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 Martins Farm Recycling for enabling their customers to recycle up to 75 percent of their waste stream through composting. Martins' customers are primarily restaurants, supermarkets and produce markets. The company currently composts about 120 tons a month of organic material that would have ended up in a landfill.

"The efforts undertaken by Martins Farm Recycling show 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 Martins' will inspire other regional businesses and municipalities to jump on board the environmental partnership train that is gathering steam in New England."

"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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