Through grant assistance to the Cyprus Action for Recycling and Environment (CARE) group, USAID is supporting a groundbreaking paper recycling initiative. This multi-phased pilot project will enable CARE to collect baseline information on paper waste levels and to determine the long-term sustainability of an expanded recycling program – all while increasing public awareness and inspiring civic action.
Under the grant, provided through the USAID-funded Supporting Activities that Value the Environment (SAVE) project, CARE will initiate a paper collection program in schools and private organizations in Nicosia. Small baskets will be placed in classrooms and offices, with bigger containers placed around different premises. Collections will be made weekly and data related to volume, weight and costs will be recorded and analyzed. At the same time, CARE will launch a public awareness campaign in the pilot schools where, using educational material of different types, students will learn the benefits of recycling. To further inspire the students and to encourage communal recycling, a paper collection contest will also be organized in June 2009, rewarding the school that collects the largest amount of paper.
CARE is making a significant investment of their own into this exciting effort through the purchase of a press machine which compacts collected paper so that it can be shipped and sold to recycling facilities—a key factor in the long term financial viability of paper recycling schemes overall.
Activities under this grant complement SAVE’s work to build local capacity to better protect and manage Cyprus’ valuable natural and cultural resources. Like all U.S.-funded programs in Cyprus, SAVE is aimed at facilitating reunification of the island, including through better protection and management of Cyprus’ valuable natural and cultural resources.
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