USAID Plastic Recycling Project extends it’s activities on entire territory of City

USAID Plastic Recycling Project marked beginning of the Municipal PET Collection Program in City of Skopje with the event organized on September 15th, 2008 at the PS “Mirce Acev” in Gjorce Petrov. The Project’s activities will be implemented in partnership with the City of Skopje and PUC “Komunalna Higiena”.

Extensive education campaign implemented in 30 primary schools in different municipalities of Skopje will be the core activity in this phase of the project. Project’s staff, employees from the PUC “Komunalna Higiena” and NGO representatives will be educating students on appropriate treatment of PET waste. The USAID grant includes investment in additional 87 iron containers for plastic PET only to be placed in different locations throughout city.

“I believe that clean environment is one of the most important gifts we can give to our children. The role of the education system is highly important in this process. Education on environmental awareness, proper sanitary conditions, and monitoring the environmental health of school grounds is essential for achieving a positive, nurturing learning environment and a better quality of life“said Mr. Michael Fritz, the new Mission Director of USAID Macedonia.

The Minister of Environment and Physical Planning, Mr. Negati Jakupi, addressed representatives of local governance- the Mayor of Skopje, Mr. Trifun Kostovski and the Mayor of Gjorce Petrov, Mr. Sokol Mitrevski; PUC “Komunalna Higiena”, teachers and students, highlighting that only with joint efforts well be able to create green schools that will be positive example for clean and healthy environment.

The Primary School “Petar Pop- Arsov” from Skopje received first prize for collecting the largest quantity of PET waste, 350 kg, during the school year 2007/2008. This school was one of 14, included in the pilot phase, implemented from November 2007 through June 2008. Mr. Trifun Kostovski, Mayor of Skopje, handed out the prize, a statue in shape of project’s mascot PET-MAN.

NOTE TO EDITORS:
The American people, through USAID, have invested nearly $500 million in Macedonia since 1993. USAID is implementing projects that create jobs, reduce corruption, and prepare Macedonian students for the workforce. These initiatives improve the quality of life and support Macedonia’s transition to a stable and prosperous democracy. USAID provides economic and humanitarian assistance in more than 100 countries. For more information please visit http://macedonia.usaid.gov.