STAMFORD SCHOOLS WORKING TO SAVE LANDFILL WHILE EARNING REBATES
STAMFORD - Three Stamford Schools have joined others across Connecticut and Massachusetts in a program that promotes donation rather than loading landfills with tons of unwanted textiles. The beauty of a program like this is that everyone benefits - tax payers, the environment and the local schools by earning rebates from every donation. “It is my honor to be the principal of a school community that is focused on protecting and preserving our environment.” Said Amy Beldotti, Principal of Toquam Elementary School. “As a staff, we are working with our families to model behaviors and instill practices in our students that will sustain our planet for our children and future generations.” Here’s how it works: Textile collection bins made of powder coated, galvanized steel and cross branded with the school’s logo are placed on school property; convenient for area parents to drop off unwanted clothing and household textiles. Bay State Textiles collects the contents and rebates the school for every pound collected. And what happens to those unwanted textiles? The clothing is exported all over the world and graded into three categories. 45% of the clothing donations and collections are resold in developing countries; there is a healthy demand for used clothing and shoes from the United States all over the world. These textiles are primarily reused as clothing and shoes, providing thousands of jobs for small entrepreneurs, their families, and employees. Another 20% is broken down into recycled fiber products, which saves money and resources. 30% is turned into recycled cloth rags. These rags use less water, less energy, and create a lower carbon footprint. “Davenport Ridge is thrilled to be working with Bay State textiles.” Said Alexandra Eisenberg of Davenport Ridge PTO. “Our community is now able to help reduce our city expenditures by keeping discarded textiles out of our expensive waste stream, and at the same time help fund our PTO projects with the rebates we get back from Bay State. I could not think of a more ideal win/win situation. I highly recommend Bay State to any school or organization that wants to make an environmental and economical difference in their community.” The program is growing in Connecticut but has been in place in Massachusetts for several years and has had tremendous success. In 2017 alone, 2,500 tons were saved from the landfills and $250,000 in rebates was paid to schools and municipalities.
Looking to help your school
get involved? Contact Cori Cea-Curry, our Recycling Development Coordinator, at 774-488-6374 or cori.baystatetextile@gmail.com