Save Energy and Reduce Waste: Be Inspired This America Recycles Day

Each year US companies and individuals take part in America Recycles Day. It was originally started in 1997 by the National Recycling Coalition and takes place on November 15. America Recycles Day was created to raise awareness about the importance of recycling and purchasing recycled materials and products.

As a nation, America generates more waste than any other nation in the world. The average American produces 4.5 pounds of municipal solid waste (MSW) per day and in 2018 the US generated 292.4 million tons of MSW.

Unfortunately, a lot of that generated MSW could have been disposed of better. Approximately 69 million tons were recyclable materials, and 25 million tons were compostable.

Check out how Flagship helped an electric automobile manufacturer develop and support a recycling program that not only reduced 98.5% of their landfill waste but also created a new revenue stream.

Benefits of Recycling

Recycling programs help reduce the amount of waste placed in landfills and can also reduce the amount of waste that ends up in the oceans and other waterways. In areas where trash is burned, removing products that can be recycled can reduce the carbon emissions and pollutants that are produced by incinerators.

It also helps to save our planet. When individuals purchase recycled items or products made with recycled materials, it helps to conserve limited natural resources like timber, water and minerals.

Worksite Recycle Programs Work

The recycling efforts of businesses and communities have helped to greatly improve recycling programs from coast to coast. In fact, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that since worksites have become more involved, the recycling rate has increased to 32% in the US.

Some companies create programs that engage and motivate staff to purchase green products, reduce paper usage and recycle materials after use. They may also purchase recycled materials, like paper and folders, and only use energy-efficient machinery.

Other companies, like LEGO, are able to make recycling part of their base product. Check out this video to learn more about LEGO’s new recycled product line.

For additional information, visit How Do I Recycle?: Common Recyclables to see how and where to recycle different types of items. You can also check out our previous blog, How to Set Up a Work Recycling Program and get things started at your worksite.

Recycling Saves Energy

When companies and individuals recycle everyday objects, such as paper, glass and plastic, it helps to save tons of energy.

Not only does it save energy because it reduces the need to cultivate additional natural resources, but it also cuts the amount of energy needed for processing and transportation.

Companies can use the EPA’s Waste Reduction Model (WARM) tool to calculate how much energy their organization can save and how much greenhouse gases they can avoid by recycling versus landfilling their waste.

Get Even More Recycling Ideas

Your company’s janitorial or waste management group can help provide you with additional recycling program ideas and training for your staff. Companies like Flagship can give you the hard facts and customize a plan that goes far beyond garbage and recycling collection. We can develop various services to help your company protect and reduce the impact you have on the environment.