Rethink, Reuse, Recycle: America Recycles Day and How You Can Help

If there’s one day that brings out the green in all of us, it’s America Recycles Day (November 15). Recycling might not sound as adventurous as hitting the trails or camping under the stars, but it’s one of the simplest and most impactful ways to give back to the planet we all love.

Why Recycling Matters

Recycling isn’t just about tossing a can into a bin. It’s about conserving resources, reducing waste in landfills, and cutting down on pollution. When we recycle, we’re turning what could be trash into new materials that can be used again and again. It’s like the ultimate “leave no trace” approach to everyday life. Recycling aluminum cans, for instance, saves 95% of the energy required to make the same can from scratch. Imagine that energy savings multiplied by millions of cans!

Unfortunately, only about 32% of waste is recycled in the U.S., which leaves plenty of room for improvement. By learning how to recycle correctly and making it part of our routine, each of us can help increase that percentage.

Recycling Made Easy: What, Where, and How

Here are a few quick tips to make recycling easy and effective:

1. Know Your Plastics

Not all plastics are created equal. While many are recyclable, a lot depends on the recycling rules in your area. Plastics are usually labeled #1 through #7, with PET (#1, like soda bottles) and HDPE (#2, like milk jugs) being the most widely accepted. Check your local guidelines to know what’s accepted—Earth911’s Recycling Search is a great tool to help you find info based on your zip code.

2. Keep It Clean

Dirty recyclables (think: greasy pizza boxes or yogurt containers with leftovers) can contaminate whole batches of recycling, meaning a lot of it could end up in a landfill. So, give recyclables a quick rinse before tossing them in the bin—clean items make the whole process more effective!

3. Skip the Bagged Recycling

If you’ve been putting recyclables in plastic bags or putting plastic bags into your recycling bins, it’s time for a change. Most recycling centers don’t accept plastic bags in curbside bins since they can tangle up sorting machines. Instead, return plastic bags to drop-off points at stores where they’re specifically collected.

4. Go Beyond the Bin

Recycling isn’t just about household items. Got an old cell phone? Outdated electronics? Things like batteries, electronics, and even textiles can be recycled but require special drop-off locations. Many stores offer free electronics recycling, so keep an eye out for options where you frequent.

Recycling Resources

Want to dig deeper? Here are a few helpful resources to make sure you’re recycling right:

•How2Recycle – Look for this label on products to understand how to recycle each component.

•EPA’s Recycling Basics – Tips on recycling and waste reduction straight from the experts.

•Recycling Locator by Earth911 – Find local recycling options based on your zip code.

Small Steps, Big Difference

Recycling might seem like a small act, but when we all make it a habit, those efforts add up. So, this America Recycles Day, challenge yourself to be a recycling champ. And don’t stop there—share what you’ve learned with others, and let’s keep spreading those green vibes year-round. After all, every can, bottle, and box counts when it comes to protecting the wild places we love to explore!

Happy recycling! ♻️