Redeeming cans and bottles really adds up — one nickel at a time. That’s why Scott Britt, a VPIRG summer intern and South Burlington native, is happy to get his hands a bit sticky.
Scott is collecting thousands of redeemable beverage containers to help raise money for Safe Passage, a non-profit group based in Guatemala that brings hope, education and opportunity to children and families living in extreme poverty around the Guatemala City garbage dump. He volunteered last summer at Safe Passage, where his older sister Jessica works, and now is helping a group of ten South Burlington High School students, including his younger sister Michaela, raise the money for a service trip this year.
And you can help! Bring your redeemable cans and bottles to South Burlington High School this Thursday, July 19th, from 4-6 pm for the final collection. If you can’t make it (sorry for the late notice), email Scott at vpirg@vpirg.org to find out other ways you can participate.
“It’s really cool that Vermonters can help with this fundraiser simply by recycling, because the kids helped by Safe Passage are from families who make their living by collecting recyclables in the Guatemala City dump,” Scott said. “Also, not only does the monetary value placed on recyclables, both in Guatemala and in Vermont due to the Bottle Bill, give people a financial incentive to recycle, it also saves the environment by preventing a lot of materials from ending up in a landfill.”
For a little inspiration, look for the news story in the Burlington Free Press’ Hometown section this coming Saturday (or click here to read the blog post, which is already available online).