Celebrating America Recycles Day

America Recycles Day is on November 15th. This annual celebration began in Texas in 1993, went nationwide in 1997 and has become part of Keep America Beautiful in recent years.  Often people ask what the difference is between America Recycles Day and Earth Day.

Earth Day is April 22 and celebrated throughout the Spring season.  Likewise, America Recycles Day is celebrated throughout the Fall season.  Both involve recycling awareness, special collection events and recognition of the value of our natural resources.

Earth Day has a wider environmental message that encompasses clean water, litter clean-up, energy conservation, tree planting, pollution reduction, clean air and much more.  America Recycle Day is focused specifically on the act of recycling and the purchase of products made with recycled material.  When we place the paper in the curbside bin or collection dumpter at the local school or church, we also need to purchase a newspaper with a minimum of 30% recycled paper content.

In the 1980s and 90s, there were limited items available to the public made from recycled material and a perception that these products were sub-quality.  Over the years, products made with partial recycled material have become mainstream.  Cereal boxes, garbage bags, laundry bottles, puzzles, shoes, backpacks, carpeting and much more may have recycled content.  All aluminum, steel/tin and glass containers have always had and still have recycled content.

This week, celebrate America Recycles Day by recycling all the items possible at home and at work. Then take a few minutes throughout the days to notice how many items you use every day that support your recycling efforts! 

By the way, November 15, 2010 was the date we launched willcountygreen.com to help you find convenient ways to recycle, save energy and conserve water!  Visit today, learn about the ARD event in Romeoville on November 12 and about the Safety and Recycling Event in Elwood with local legislators on November 15th!