(BLOOMINGTON) – What are people doing the day after America Recycles Day on November 15th? Hopefully, recycling.
On Saturday, November 16th, as more people are able to recycle on the weekend, recyclers at the five recycling centers of the Monroe County Solid
Waste Management District (District), will get caught recycling and receive some green cleaning gifts.
Last year in honor of America Recycles Day, they received a reusable bag filled with business goodies. This year from 9 am to noon, District recyclers will receive a reusable bag to reduce the use of plastic, two types of “green” cleaning supplies, and some green cleaning recipes that will also keep themselves and our world healthy.
These gifts are in honor of recyclers. The District thanks Kroger for their green cleaning donation.
The purpose of ARD is to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and to encourage more people to join the movement to create a better natural environment.
Since the first ARD in 1997, the District and ARD have helped millions of Americans become better informed about the importance of recycling and buying products made from recycled materials.
If you know what goes into your recycling bin at home, that’s wonderful. If you practice recycling both at home and at work, and you “clean green,” you are an expert.
The District reminds you that recycling and using responsible products: conserves resources saves energy, reduces pollution, and creates jobs.
Executive Director Tom McGlasson Jr., says, “AMERICA RECYCLES DAY is a national holiday where we celebrate the recycling efforts of households,
communities, cities, states, and nations.”
November 15th is the official ARD.
“This day reminds us of how powerful we are in saving the earth’s natural resources and creating a sustainable world,” says McGlasson. “That is what the ‘District,’ the Monroe County Solid Waste Management District reminds people of every day. America Recycles Day is a special day where we thank those who take the extra effort to sort their waste and put it in the right place and those who use green cleaners.”
Community Outreach Coordinator Elisa Pokral says America Recycles Day is dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products.
“A related stewardship concept on this day is to purchase products that do not hurt the earth in any way, ” She added. “An example of these products is the use of natural cleaning products that do not hurt the land, water, or air quality, or human health. When purchasing products such as baking soda and vinegar, which can be used to clean just about anything, people keep contaminants out of our bodies and our environment. In doing this, they also encourage businesses to provide products that support earth stewardship. Green cleaning is such an important part of earth stewardship and has an incredible impact on our health and our world’s health.”
Pokral explains that many common cleaning products and other products on the market are known to create issues with human health and health issues in the environment but due to tradition and/or not knowing that there are other options, they are still used. Some are still used until there is a lawsuit and it calls attention to them.
However, with the growth of social entrepreneurship, more businesses are thinking “People, Planet, Profit.” This means that they are thinking about how earth-friendly options benefit people, the entire planet, and everyone profits from it. The success of natural products that do not harm the earth can stimulate businesses to introduce more earth-friendly options that satisfy the needs of consumers and help the earth at the same time.
“The China ban on recycling exports should stimulate U.S. companies to create more recycling businesses and get into the circular economy,” Pokral added.
The circular economy is a framework for an economy that designs out waste and pollution, keeping products and materials in use, and regenerates natural systems. Businesses look at how they can reduce expenses and increase profits not only by what they produce but how they do it and what they can with their end products or waste products.
“The current condition of the recycling industry can serve as an inspiration to create new products that model earth stewardship,” she added. “Many people don’t realize that recycling creates new products that you and your family use every day, including cans, cardboard boxes, bicycles, fleece hoodies, and more.”
At the 2019 Association of Indiana Solid Waste Management District
(AISWMD), Member Retreat, Ben Pedigo, an industry representative from Rumpke said, “Indiana is fortunate to have end markets for post-consumer recyclables located within the state and adjacent states.”
So, what are the two green cleaning gifts? Pokral says you’ll have to stop by any of the District’s five recycling centers on Saturday, November 16th from 9 a.m. until Noon to find out
For recycling information, call the District at 812-349-2020, visit gogreendistrict.com and/or pick up a GoGreen Guide at any of the 5 recycling centers.
