Trash Talk
http://www.usaweekend.com/07_issues/070930/070930trash.html
Garbage in, less garbage out
Americans could be trashing their wasteful ways: In 2005, we generated less garbage and recycled more waste. That was the first time the government has ever recorded a drop in the amount of trash produced.
The nation made 245.7 million tons of garbage in 2005, about 1.6 million tons less than in 2004, says the Environmental Protection Agency. That works out to about 4.5 pounds per person per day.
Nearly one-third of trash was recycled in 2005, the last year of available government statistics. The EPA has set a goal for the nation to recycle 35% of its trash by 2008. That would be a big change from 1980, when only 10% of trash was recycled.
"People want to do the right thing, but they're confused about what it is," says Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition, whose group has launched a comprehensive education campaign to teach people what to recycle and where to do it.
One of the newest targets for recycling: electronic waste, the fastest growing portion of the nation's trash. In 2005, about 1.5 million to 1.9 million tons of used and unwanted electronics were discarded, mainly in landfills; only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled.
Recycling helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions and saves energy, and the government says our 2005 efforts saved the energy equivalent of 11 billion gallons of gasoline.
-- Rochelle Sharpe
Get Involved:
Universities and Colleges: Recycle Mania
Communities - Nike Reuse A Shoe
Current Drop-Off Locations to Recycle Athletic Shoe
For individuals interested in recycling small quantities of worn-out athletic shoes, please visit Nike's website to find a drop-off location near you.
If there is not a collection partner in your area, you can mail shoes at your own expense back to: Nike Recycling Centerc/o Reuse-A-Shoe26755 SW 95th Ave.Wilsonville, OR 97070
Individuals and Communities - America Recycles Day
America Recycles Day (ARD) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. Since its inception in 1997, the ARD campaign has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work, and to buy products made with recycled materials.
Year after year, residents in every state of the nation participated in America Recycles Day events. On November 15th each year, millions of people become better informed about the importance of recycling at home and work and buying recycled products as a result of the national America Recycles Day campaign.
In addition to the President of the United States declaring November 15th America Recycles Day, many state and local governments issued proclamations and resolutions in support of the national recycling day.
Garbage in, less garbage out
Americans could be trashing their wasteful ways: In 2005, we generated less garbage and recycled more waste. That was the first time the government has ever recorded a drop in the amount of trash produced.
The nation made 245.7 million tons of garbage in 2005, about 1.6 million tons less than in 2004, says the Environmental Protection Agency. That works out to about 4.5 pounds per person per day.
Nearly one-third of trash was recycled in 2005, the last year of available government statistics. The EPA has set a goal for the nation to recycle 35% of its trash by 2008. That would be a big change from 1980, when only 10% of trash was recycled.
"People want to do the right thing, but they're confused about what it is," says Kate Krebs, executive director of the National Recycling Coalition, whose group has launched a comprehensive education campaign to teach people what to recycle and where to do it.
One of the newest targets for recycling: electronic waste, the fastest growing portion of the nation's trash. In 2005, about 1.5 million to 1.9 million tons of used and unwanted electronics were discarded, mainly in landfills; only 345,000 to 379,000 tons were recycled.
Recycling helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions and saves energy, and the government says our 2005 efforts saved the energy equivalent of 11 billion gallons of gasoline.
-- Rochelle Sharpe
Get Involved:
Universities and Colleges: Recycle Mania
Communities - Nike Reuse A Shoe
Current Drop-Off Locations to Recycle Athletic Shoe
For individuals interested in recycling small quantities of worn-out athletic shoes, please visit Nike's website to find a drop-off location near you.
If there is not a collection partner in your area, you can mail shoes at your own expense back to: Nike Recycling Centerc/o Reuse-A-Shoe26755 SW 95th Ave.Wilsonville, OR 97070
Individuals and Communities - America Recycles Day
America Recycles Day (ARD) is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. Since its inception in 1997, the ARD campaign has grown to include millions of Americans pledging to increase their recycling habits at home and work, and to buy products made with recycled materials.
Year after year, residents in every state of the nation participated in America Recycles Day events. On November 15th each year, millions of people become better informed about the importance of recycling at home and work and buying recycled products as a result of the national America Recycles Day campaign.
In addition to the President of the United States declaring November 15th America Recycles Day, many state and local governments issued proclamations and resolutions in support of the national recycling day.
posted by Leslie at
10:35 PM
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