National Recycling Day
I hope you’re ready to recycle because November 15 is National Recycling Day and we’re making sure nothing gets turned into waste. According to “National Geographic,” Americans send 64 tons of waste to landfills during their lifetime. That’s 246 million tons of waste each year. National Recycling Day aims to encourage Americans to purchase recycled products and recycle more.
HISTORY OF NATIONAL RECYCLING DAY
Recycling is a much older concept than we give it credit for. Archaeological studies have found that during periods when natural resources were sparse, waste dumps show less household waste, giving many reason to believe that they were recycling and reusing products in the absence of virgin materials.
In fact, finding recycled or reusable resources has always held a premium in human history. Whether it’s the “dustmen” of Victorian era England, who went around and collected coal fires to help with brick making, or the development of shoddy and mungo rags combining used materials with sparse amounts of virgin wool, recycling has played a key part in our relationship with natural resources.
Additionally, in modern history, wartime has always been a period of buckling down and recycling. Most resources in wartime go to, well, the war. So citizens typically need to find innovative ways of reusing what materials they have for what they need. Additionally, scrap metal and second hand materials is increasingly important to help create a bank of resources for armies to turn into utilities. Examples of this are from World War II with the National Salvage Campaign in Britain and the Salvage for Victory Campaign stateside.
In our modern times, nationalism has been replaced with environmentalism and the urge to help preserve our sparse resources by reusing goods and reducing waste. So, if pre-historic humans can figure out how to recycle, your annoying roommate can figure it out as well.
HOW TO OBSERVE NATIONAL RECYCLING DAY
1.Join An Event
Recycling events can be surprisingly fun (and educational). For instance, an event in Missouri involves making bracelets from plastic shopping bags, doing a composting activity, and building something out of recycled goods. Look for events in your area, bring your friends, and get involved. The more you know, the more you can make a difference!
2.Fully Commit
Recycling is more than just dumping cans into a recycling bin (although that’s part of it). There’s so much more you can do! Make your commitment to reduce, reuse, recycle, and buy recycled.
3.Share The Love
Excited about your latest recycling trip? Share it on social media using the hashtag #BeRecycled. The more we get the word out, the more we encourage others to recycle and help save the planet!
WHY NATIONAL RECYCLING DAY IS IMPORTANT
A. It’s not hard to do
Recycling doesn’t have to be confusing, overwhelming, or intimidating. Doing small things like bringing your own to-go cup to Starbucks, bringing reusable grocery bags on your shopping trip, and using a safety razors rather than disposable ones can really help make a difference.
B. Celebrities are into it
Johnny Galecki (Leonard from “The Big Bang Theory”) is proving recycling can be cool — and a whole lot easier to do. He’s a volunteer advocate for Recycle Across America — a nonprofit dedicated to standardizing recycle bin labels.
C. It can truly change the world
Think just one person can’t make a difference? Lauren Singer developed a zero-waste lifestyle where she’s able to reduce, reuse and recycle everything she consumes. She’s got this down to a science — and is now able to fit all of the trash she’s produced within the last four years in a single mason jar. Her website proves that if everyone lived similarly, waste wouldn’t be nearly as much of a problem.
References:
“National Recycling Day” │ https://nationaltoday.com/national-recycling-day/