Celebrating America Recycles Day

In its October meeting, SP’s Emerging Professionals Work Group (SP EP) discussed different ways that companies can plan to celebrate America Recycles Day this year. Please find below a short list of ideas your company may want to consider.

Held on November 15, 2021, America Recycles Day educates and encourages individuals on how to be more mindful of what they consume, where and how to properly recycle, and to pledge to recycle more and recycle right in their everyday lives.  

The day is intended to highlight actions we can all take to collectively to address waste and recycling challenges.  Here are a few ways your company can act in support of this year’s event.

Take the America Recycles Pledge

1. Individual Commitment. Keep America Beautiful (KAB) urges people to pledge to reduce, reuse, repurpose and recycle in every aspect of their life. KAB’s #BeRecycled pledge is a promise to actively choose to live a recycled lifestyle by: Recycling at home, work, school and on the go; Buying products made with recycled content; and Educating and encouraging friends, family, colleagues and neighbors to take the #BeRecycled pledge. Learn more at: https://kab.org/programs/ard/pledge/
2. Corporate Commitment. US EPA invites US-based organizations to sign the America Recycles Pledge. Join 380+ others (including SP) that have signed the pledge to work toward a more resilient materials economy. By submitting the pledge to EPA, you are signifying your company’s interest to participate in ongoing dialogues and to take action with other pledge signers to improve America’s recycling system. Learn more at: https://www.epa.gov/americarecycles/forms/america-recycles-pledge

Spread the Word

• Take the opportunity to reach out to employees and partners to share tips and strategies for promoting recycling and waste minimization. Organizations like US EPA, Recycle Across America, The Recycling Partnership and others offer simple tips you can draw from to help others learn how to reduce waste at home, at work and on the go.  Also consider SP’s sustainable packaging guidance for opportunities to reduce packaging waste in a manufacturing environment.

Host or Join a Volunteer Event

• You can participate in or host your own America Recycles Day event at any time during the fall before or after the official America Recycles Day celebration on November 15.  Check platforms like KAB, EARTHDAY.ORG and others for existing volunteer opportunities in your area or consider creating your own!
• A few activities to consider include organizing a cleanup of a local beach / stream / river, roadside, or community park; planning a community waste or battery collection event; or hosting a waste / recycling education seminar for your employees or community stakeholders.
• EPA offers helpful guidance on common recyclables you might encounter through a cleanup or waste collection event. Check resources like Earth 911, RecycleNation or I Want to Be Recycled for more information on recycling resources for specific materials in your area, including electronics.

Share Your Story

• Considering using America Recycles Day as an opportunity to share your company’s waste minimization goals and successes. Many organizations in the automotive industry have made significant progress in source reduction and minimizing waste to landfill, while others have found innovative new ways to utilize recycled content throughout a vehicle. Take this opportunity to celebrate your successes and help inspire others in their journey!
• If sharing your story on social media, be sure to tag SP in your posts and use the hashtag #AutomotiveRecyles to help us amplify your message.

Thank you for all you do to support our industry and our environment, we look forward to seeing your efforts this America Recycles Day!