Looking after the environment is everyone’s responsibility and we should all be doing this regardless of the season. On special days, it’s especially important to review our habits, roles and responsibilities. On November 15th, Americans will come together to observe National Recycling Day, aka America Recycles Day — a time dedicated to promoting awareness and encouraging eco-conscious practices. However, this event is more than a celebration. It’s a call to rethink your consumption patterns and commit to reducing, reusing and recycling in all aspects of your life. 

Why Celebrate National Recycling Day?

Participating in this event makes you part of a larger movement to protect the planet. It’s an excellent avenue to demonstrate your environmental values and inspire others to follow suit. For many, getting involved can be a great way to learn about new recycling practices and engage with the community.

From day one, National Recycling Day has been instrumental in reshaping the U.S.’s waste management practices. In fact, since inception, the country has witnessed a notable surge in recycling rates, climbing from 7% to 32% (since 1960). This growth is great news, reflecting an increased awareness of environmental impact and a collective commitment to sustainable practices.

While a 32% recycling rate is an excellent start, it still falls short of the goal set by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) of 50% by 2030. National Recycling Day and related initiatives are the perfect catalysts for driving positive behavioral change and individual action.

Economic Benefits 

Recycling isn’t just good for the environment — it’s a key economic driver, creating jobs and billions of dollars in taxes. According to an EPA report, repurposing activities generate $65.23 in wages and $9.42 in tax revenue for every ton of recycled materials. This shows that beyond individuals participating in recycling programs to protect the planet, it’s great for economic growth.

How to Observe National Recycling Day?

On this special day, here are three ways you can help raise awareness and inspire others to join the recycling movement.

1. Attend an Event

National Recycling Day events offer fun and educational opportunities for youngsters. The activities may vary depending on where you live, but there’s always something valuable to do. Just find the nearest local center in your area and participate in their programs for the day.

2. Embrace Full Engagement

Most local centers have plenty of volunteering roles. Be there to lend your support to the cause physically and spread the word amongst your friends, family and community. Afterward, challenge yourself to go beyond sorting out items for recycling to teach your family and community environmental values, so the momentum continues.

3. Go Digital

Take to social media and showcase your, and the local recycling program’s, efforts. Every like, share and interaction spreads the message further, helping inspire others to join the movement and contribute to the planet’s well-being.

Beyond Putting Items in the Blue Bin

If you’re an avid environmentalist, you probably know it takes much more than sorting your recyclables into the correct bin to drive lasting change. Recycling is a great start, but it’s just one of the three R’s in responsible waste management. Reducing and reusing discarded household items are equally vital, even more so on National Recycling Day.

Reducing means being more mindful about what you buy to decrease the amount of waste you generate. For instance, you could choose durable products over disposable ones or goods with non-plastic packaging.

Reusing involves repeatedly using an item or its parts for as long as they’re still useful. Again, the goal here is to minimize how much waste your household produces and reduce the demand for new resources. For example, you could repurpose tires into lawn furniture to lessen the impact of the 8.4 million scraps discarded yearly.

Choosing household items made of recycled things is a great way to foster a sustainable living culture. The fixtures and appliances you install at home should be as functional as they are eco-friendly.

Many eco-conscious businesses are also investing time and resources to use recycled materials or to reuse and reduce waste. This means great advancements in product design and materials, allowing consumers to make ethical choices when installing or using products.  For example, windows and doors made of composite materials — or made from recycled plastics and wood — are eco-friendly and require less upkeep than traditional materials, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Switching to LED lights that last longer is something else you can consider to minimize the need to replace bulbs as often. Also, be mindful of home upgrades. If installing flooring, opt for reclaimed wood, bamboo or cork opposed to synthetic options.

Always ask businesses about their stance on recycling, reusing and carbon reduction efforts, so you can support companies that care. 

What Items Can Be Reused, Reduced or Recycled That You Might Not Know?

Look around your home — you’ll probably find dozens of recyclable or donatable things. Pet bedding, hair products, batteries and lightbulbs are among the more uncommon recyclable items in the typical household. The primary criteria for deciding what to recycle is the product should be sortable, safe and sellable.

Your local recycling center will give you a list of items you can recycle. Pinterest, TikTok and other social media sites are excellent sources for finding ways to reuse or repurpose items. Joining or participating in communities will also educate you on ways to reduce your adverse impact on the environment.

Make Sustainable Waste Management a Habit Beyond National Recycling Day

As the day approaches, now’s the perfect time to reflect on your recycling habits and integrate sustainable practices into your daily life. While it’s great to celebrate this day, here are three ways you can make recycling a consistent part of your lifestyle.

1. Embrace a Year-Round Recycling Mindset

Start by establishing a dedicated recycling station in your home. Make it easily accessible and clearly labeled, so everyone knows where to put recyclables. This small change can help you remember to recycle year-round and set a positive example for your family and community.

2. Consume Mindfully 

Before you even think about recycling, consider how you can reduce the amount of waste you generate in the first place. This means being mindful of your purchases. Ask yourself questions like:

• Do I really need this?
• Is there a product with less packaging?
• Can I borrow or rent instead of buying?

Choosing to decrease what you bring into your home already makes a significant impact. The less you consume, the less you have to discard.

3. Get Involved in Your Community

Engage with local initiatives built around recycling and sustainability. Over time, you can extend your efforts to your community and encourage them to participate more in environmental activities.

For example, you could organize a collection event on National Recycling Day to get people talking about waste management. Americans send over 70% of recyclable appliances and leftover home remodeling materials to landfills, so providing an accessible way to dispose of these properly helps your community make a difference!

Join the Cause

As you prepare for National Recycling Day, remember every little effort counts. Take the opportunity to recycle, reduce, reuse and rethink your consumption habits. Together, everyone can create a cleaner, greener future.