According to the America Recycles Day Website, November 15th is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled products. The purpose of America Recycles Day is to promote the social, environmental and economic benefits of recycling and encourage more people to join the movement to protect the environment for future generations. Today you can join the millions of Americans who have pledged to increase their recycling habits and to buy products made with recycled materials. 

Can You Recycle in Your Community?
Recycling varies by community so check to see if plastic recycling is available in your area.  See my previous blog post or visit Earth 911 and enter your zip code to learn more.

Interested in Getting Involved?
Take the pledge and find out what’s going on in your state and in your community.

• Quick facts about plastic recycling and how it benefits your community:
  In 2008, the recycling of plastic bottles reached a record high of 2.4 billion pounds nationwide.
• In 2007, the recycling of plastic bags and product wraps grew to 830 million pounds across the U.S., marking an increase of 27% in just two years.
• A growing number of communities are recycling other types of plastic containers, such as tubs, trays and lids. Currently, about two-thirds of California’s communities and one-third of the nations’ largest cities recycle rigid plastic containers in addition to bottles, and that number continues to rise.  More than 325 million pounds of these materials were recycled in 2007.

What will my Recycled Plastic Become?
Recycled plastics go on to become a number of second generation products. For example, recycled plastic bottles can become: carpeting, fleece jackets, detergent bottles and lumber for outdoor decking. Plastic bags can be made into loads of products, including new bags, backyard decks, fencing, railing, park benches, picnic tables, and shopping carts.

For even more interesting end use recycled products follow this link:

We all want to make the Earth a little greener.  America’s plastic makers are committed to recycling. Please take a moment to tell us about what is working in your community.