Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair gives opportunity for attendees to recycle

WOOSTER -- Between the food stands and booths at the Scarlet, Gray and Green Fair was the recycling center.

Manned by representatives from various recycling companies and organizations, visitors had the opportunity to recycle a variety of items. Sanmandy Enterprises owner Richard Bowman said his company specializes in paper -- but not just any paper.

"This is what they call confidential information," he said, explaining his company focuses on recycling paper for banks, law and accounting firms.

A resident drops off paper, Bowman and his employees shred it and send it away to a recycling center. Either going to Wisconsin or North Carolina, he said, the paper is re-purposed for other products.

"You'll see them again," Bowman said.

At the Tri-County Recycling booth, owners Edward and Christina Beard said they specialize in recycling computers. However, Edward Beard said they recycle anything with a plug. By trade, he said, he is a home inspector but his passion is the environment and he started doing it professionally six years ago.

"This is how we choose to help the earth," he said, explaining there is only one and it should be taken care of.

There also was the opportunity to recycle prescription drugs through a Medway Drug Enforcement Agency drop-off box.

Medway public relations officer Jim Garrett said the agency collects prescription drug bottles and drugs, separates and disposes of them.

"The end result is they all get burnt," he said.

According to Garrett, incineration is the best way to dispose of them as it keeps them out of the landfill and it is Environmental Protection Agency certified. During the fair, he estimated, they had collected about 50 pounds by early afternoon.

Bowman said he does not spend much money in advertising and the fair provides a rare chance to get his name out there. Beard agreed and said the experience was valuable for him, too.

"It feels like we have our own little carnival right here," he said.

For volunteers, the center was an opportunity to let the rubber hit the road for their environmental convictions.

"I want (the environment) to be nice when I am old," volunteer Ashley Cromer said.

The ATI sophomore in agroscience education said she wants the world to be clean for her future children. By recycling, Cromer said she can help ensure that happens.

Ethan Carothers, an ATI sophomore in agricultural business, said it makes sense to recycle.

"God gave use this beautiful Earth," he said. "I think it is important to keep it clean.