The Association of Vermont Recyclers (AVR), founded in 1982, is best known for its educational theater programs, workshops, school technical assistance and presentations on recycling, composting, hazardous waste and other environmental topics. But did you know that AVR is much more? During its twenty five years, AVR has been a leader in shaping and defining Vermont's recycling efforts and goals.

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TODAY IN THE BURLINGTON FREE PRESS!
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Montpelier woman taps green-teen potential

Published: Tuesday, April 22, 2008
By Joel Banner Baird
Free Press Staff Writer

Krista Harness, 29, of Montpelier says she enjoys rounding up tribes of Vermont teenagers who are motivated by environmental principles. Then she likes to get out of their way.

Harness, who coordinates the Youth Environmental Coalition, doesn't map its members' strategies; she taps their potential.

"Global warming can be an overwhelming challenge," she said last week. "I can't tell them what the answers are; I help them share with each other what programs have worked. They see that they're not on their own. They build collaborations."

About 60 youthful collaborators will meet face to face during the last weekend in May at a conference in Fairlee, sponsored by the Association of Vermont Recyclers.

Harness said participants will learn how to raise money, develop outreach with a community, map next year's school programs and unwind in the company of like-minded youths.

They'll compare notes on student-initiated projects -- most colorfully, the statewide "Trash-on-the-Lawn" days, when students empty the contents of high school garbage bins outside, and then sort and weigh its potential for recycling and composting.

Harness said she serves as a resource person and a switchboard. She also looks for trends in recycling.

"They're not just events we plan; they're really tools. The students are gathering important data and they can pursue real, achievable goals. Then their progress can be passed on.

"I ask them: 'Why do we even call it trash?'" she said. "It's a material that needs resource management."

With a budget of about $50,000, the coalition relies primarily on funding from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, with help from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources and state solid waste districts.

More information about the Youth Environmental Coalition can be found at its Web site: www.vtrecyclers.org/yec.php.

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IF YOU GO Teenage Vermonters who aim to shape a greener future will gather during the last weekend in May to plan, scheme and celebrate their progress. The conference is organized by the Youth Environmental Coalition; sponsored by the Association of Vermont Recyclers.
WHAT: The 11th annual Youth Environmental Summit
WHEN: May 31-June 2
WHERE: Hulbert Outdoor Center, Fairlee
LEARN MORE: Contact Krista Harness at yec@vtrecyclers.org or 224-1000.
Contact Joel Banner Baird at 660-1843 or joelbaird@bfp.burlingtonfreepress.com