More than 800 recycling-related events are scheduled to take place this Fri., Nov. 15, as part of the Sixth Annual America Recycles Day (ARD)
According to the National Recycling Coalition (NRC), Washington, events this year range from art contests in three states, where school children create sculptures from recyclable materials, to a mercury thermometer exchange program in Deerfield Beach, Florida, to a “Recycle Santa Fe Art Festival” in New Mexico.
Other special events include proclamations and ceremonies hosted by local and state officials nationwide, a recycling exchange with the San Diego Gulls professional hockey team where spectators can exchange recyclable containers to win a chance for autographed team memorabilia team and other events.
John Howard, the Federal Environmental Executive, has expressed the Bush Administration’s support for America Recycles Day. “I am pleased to join many others across the country in America Recycles Day 2002. As President Bush stated earlier this year, ‘Good stewardship begins with the simplest of things. What may appear to be a small act is really important: cleaning up a park, or recycling, or encouraging people and showing people how to conserve energy.’ Now in its sixth year, America Recycles Day helps remind all Americans of our nation’s bountiful resources and of our personal responsibility as stewards to care for those resources. My office and my family are looking forward to participating in this year's America Recycles Day in our nation's capital.”
Last year, nearly one million Americans took the America Recycles Day pledge. As an incentive to those who pledge this year to increase their recycling activities and purchases of recycled products, event organizers are offering several national prizes. Five Trek aluminum 24-speed speed bicycles will be awarded to three youths and two adults and one $250 gift certificate from Staples Inc will be awarded through a random drawing of pledge cards, including those submitted electronically.
To find out about ARD events in different regions, to pledge online or for more information about the campaign, the ARD Web site can be visited at www.americarecyclesday.org.