Why does recycling matter? If this question is put to a group of five students at the Lubec Elementary School, the answer will come back loud and clear. "We live here," says one. "We want the place to be nice." "We don't want that junk ending up in the ocean," says another. "It kills birds and other sea animals. If it goes out there it never goes away."      "We can save some trees," says a third, "so it's the right thing to do."
The students, assisted by teacher Sherry Cox, have begun a full‑court press to collect recyclable materials throughout the school and track their results from reports provided by Lubec Recycling Center Director Kenny Moores. "They come in here every week," says Moores. "I think it's great."
     "It doesn't just save trees," says Town Administrator John Sutherland. "It saves money, too." Sutherland explains that every pound of recyclable material removed from the stream of waste taken to the Marion Transfer Station is one less pound that the town must pay for. "We sell the stuff," he adds, "so it's a win‑win." On one hand, town expenses are reduced, while on the other revenues are increased. "If people want to hold the line on taxes, this is one way they can help." The current town budget includes $102,000 for tipping fees at Marion, up 17% from the year before.
      During the first week of compiling reports, the students collected 80 pounds of recyclable materials, including 33.5 pounds of cardboard, with a direct saving to taxpayers of $9.60 in tipping fees. "It's already increased from that," Cox says.
     "We've started separating more at home," says parent Trisha Sawtelle, whose son Keaton is one of the five students.      This is seconded by Sutherland, who observes "our daughter has been getting after us to do better." Other team members include Eli Appleby, Dustin Sullivan, Greenleigh Baker and Landon Farrell.
     Part of the effort includes helping others at the school understand how to separate the materials appropriately. "We had to get after a few people," says one student.