America Recycles Day: Let’s talk trash & keep America beautiful

Nov. 15 is America Recycles Day (ARD), an annual event that promotes the positive impact recycling has on the environment and the American economy. Launched in 1997, this annual initiative celebrates the benefits of recycling and purchasing recycled products.

In 2010, Americans generated about 250 million tons of trash. Some of that trash could be composted or recycled. While the recycling rate is around 34 percent, we can do better. Recycling not only conserves overflowing landfill space, but also reduces pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, conserves energy, slows climate change, prevents habitat destruction and reduces our reliance on foreign oil. And if those aren’t reasons enough, recycling also creates jobs.

Recycling not only makes a great big impact on our environment, but it is something we can all do. Learn what you can do to make a difference.

Today is also Clean Out Your Refrigerator Day.