November 15 is the 22nd America Recycles Day, dedicated to educating and encouraging residents throughout America to recycle and live a greener, closer to zero-waste life. There are events all around the country to help you get into the spirit, and you can even organize an event yourself. But what started America Recycles Day, and why is it so important? We’ll discuss that all in today’s blog, as well as how you can get involved.

What Is America Recycles Day?

America Recycles Day is a nationally recognized program helmed by Keep America Beautiful, an organization dedicated to helping people recycle accurately and efficiently to help protect the environment. Every November 15, cities and communities all over the country will provide events and programs about recycling and promote the idea of going greener in the face of our environmental crisis. There are a number of sponsors that back up America Recycles Day. Cox Enterprises is the title sponsor, but International Bottled Water Association and Macerich also chip in to spread the education and encouragement.

The America Recycles Day Pledge

In 2018, the recycling rate was 34%, a significant increase over the past 30 years. But there’s still more to be done. That’s why America Recycles Day has their #BeRecycled pledge. Already this year nearly 80,000 people have taken the pledge. Interested yourself? Here are the steps:

  • Find out what materials are able to be recycled in your community. For help with this, check out Brazos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling’s list of acceptable materials.
  • Reduce waste, recycle more, and buy more products made from recycled materials, thus reducing the need for production of new materials.
  • Share the pledge on social media, promote information about America Recycles Day, and try to encourage one other person to take the pledge.

Get Involved in America Recycles Day

There are a few ways to get involved in America Recycles Day. Start by looking for events close by or within driving distance. If you can’t find an event near you and have a gift for bringing people together, consider organizing one yourself. America Recycles Day’s website provides a toolkit for organizers, including posters and signage, guides, and ways to engage people by social media or in person, such as at work, school, or church. If you don’t feel up to the task of organizing, you can get involved by making changes in your personal life. Take the #BeRecycled pledge, start recycling more at work, and encourage others to join in.

Don’t forget that recycling, as good as it is, should be your last resort. Make sure you reuse or repurpose whenever possible.

Want to learn how to be more proactive with your recycling? It helps to have a reliable recycling service. Contact Brazos Valley Trash Valet & Recycling today for more information about our complimentary recycling bin, all the materials we accept, and other recycling resources available to you.