On November 15th the U.S. celebrates America Recycles Day, a nationally recognized event dedicated to promotion and awareness of recycling. The average American produces 4.4 lbs of trash per day, and the United States as a country produces 250 million tons of trash per year. Technological advancements in production and recycling methods have allowed more everyday household products to be recycled which has helped increase the rate at which we recycle every year for the past 30 years. The current recycling rate is 34.5%.
Planners for this event have created a system by which communities can find tools and information to put on local events where people can learn more about recycling; how it works, why it is effective and how they can do more. The goal is to make everyone aware of all the items and products which can be recycled in order to decrease the amount of trash needlessly sent to landfills. Events highlight recycling strategies for many kinds of waste products including commonly known items like glass and paper to items that people usually do not think to or don’t know where to recycle such as batteries and electronics.
You can get involved and make a difference individually or as part of a community group. Events will be held across the country on November 15th in the hopes of increasing awareness of recycling and inspire conscientiousness of how much trash is produced and the impact it has on the environment and our communities. There are many ways to get involved in these events, you can;
- Sign the recycling pledge and find local events by visiting http://americarecyclesday.org/,
- Think before you toss; be conscious about trash you produce, does it have to go in the garbage? Can it be recycled or composted?
- Buy products that come in recyclable containers; our consumer choices can demonstrate to companies that we demand more earth friendly packaging and products
- Try to think of ways to reuse, upcycle, repurpose or repair things you already own; this can save money and become a creative, fun project
- Share, swap, trade or give away things you no longer need but are still useful rather than throwing them away
- Take advantage of curbside recycling programs in your town, find out all the items that are acceptable to recycle and separate them-there is no easier way to reduce your impact than using services already provided
- If your community does not have a recycling program, visit http://www.iwanttoberecycled.org/ to find a recycling center near you
- Your arborist can help you with recycling yard waste and brush; if you are having tree or lawn work done discuss recycling clippings or wood chips as mulch
