Broadalbin-Perth High School junior Julie Capito is hoping to keep the rainforest from shrinking and reduce the number of recyclable goods making their way into the local landfill with a fundraising effort she’s launching this month.
Starting Saturday, Nov. 21, Capito is hosting Recycle for the Rainforest, a fundraiser to collect recyclables with a deposit to raise money for the Rainforest Foundation US Protect-An-Acre Campaign.
Capito said she attended a Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar as a sophomore and was challenged and inspired to do something to make a difference in the world. “There are many issues that face the world. Environmental issues, however, are the root to many of the problems we face and an area that I am extremely passionate about,” she said.
Capito said when she researched logging companies’ extensive clearing of land, she learned it has many negative and damaging effects. “Ecosystems like the rainforest are very fragile, and in order to keep them alive, action needs to be taken,” Capito said.
The Recycle for the Rainforest fundraiser will have six drop-off dates, starting Saturday, Nov. 21, and ending on Earth Day, April 22. Capito has planned for one bottle drop-off per month outside at the Middle School campus in Perth.
Capito said she plans to offer interactive, educational displays on topics ranging from the rainforest to garbage decomposition at each of the bottle drives. All of the money raised from the bottle collection will go to the Rainforest Foundation US and its fight to secure the rainforests of Central and South America. According to the Rainforest Foundation US Protect-An-Acre Campaign, for every $50 raised, 10 acres will be secured in the Central and South American Rainforest. Capito says her goal is to raise $600 to save 120 acres.
The dates for the bottle drop-offs are:
- Saturday, Nov. 21
- Friday, Dec. 18
- Saturday, Jan. 9
- Saturday, Feb. 27
- Friday, March 18
- Friday, April 22
The drop-off times for all Saturdays are 9 to 11 a.m., and Friday drop off times are 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
“I strongly believe in protecting the environment, which is the backbone to all life, and I hope the community supports me as well,” Capito said.