There are activities planned in all 40 states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. In addition, there are outreach efforts being put together by private entities. Keeping materials out of landfills and giving them a “second life” is an integral part of reducing your organization’s impact on the health of the environment. Check out the Web site of the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), the official coordinator of “America Recycles Day”, along with sponsorship from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Now in its 11 year, America Recycles Day (ARD) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. Since its inception, the event has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work and to buy products made with recycled materials. Through ARD, the National Recycling Coalition supports local communities and raises awareness by educating citizens about the benefits of recycling. Volunteer ARD coordinators are positioned throughout the country and work to organize recycling awareness events in their schools and communities, and in conjunction with their local municipalities.
On November 15 each year, millions of people become better informed about the importance of daily recycling and buying recycled products. The purpose of ARD is to continue to promote the
social, environmental, and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement toward creating a better natural environment.
According to the EPA, recycling 1 million cell phones saves enough energy to power over 1,940 U.S. households with electricity for one year. With an estimated 150 million cell phones sitting unused in homes and offices across the country waiting to be recycled or reused, there is the potential to offset the energy consumption of more than 291,000 households.In addition, recycling those 150 million phones would prevent 75,000 tons of e-waste from entering U.S. landfills.
One cell phone recycling event set for this coming Saturday has been organized by Keep America Beautiful, Sprint, and ReCellular in the 2008 Cell Phone Round-Up. By visiting their dedicated Web site, visitors can print a postage-paid shipping label to recycle a cell phone, or phones. Proceeds benefit community-based efforts to reduce waste, prevent litter, and beautify public spaces.