America Recycles Day, 2015

Proclamation 9368 of November 13, 2015

America Recycles Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every American has a role to play in preserving our
planet for future generations. Being good stewards of
our environment and protecting our natural resources
are imperative tasks for ensuring our children and
grandchildren live in a clean and sustainable world,
and recycling is a pivotal way each of us can do our
part. Today, we acknowledge the importance of reusing
materials and reducing consumption, and we recognize
that a recycling bin may often be a better alternative
to a garbage can.

Each year, as much energy is saved recycling and
composting as is consumed by 10 million American
households. Over one-third of everything we throw away
is recycled or composted, but many items that could be
recycled end up in landfills instead. Recycling paper,
plastic, glass, batteries, and other reusable items can
have tremendous effects on the land we live on, the
water we drink, and the air we breathe. It also helps
reduce waste, conserve our natural resources, generate
well-paying jobs in the recycling and manufacturing
industries, and lessen the amount of harmful emissions
that contribute to climate change.

Recycling is one way all people can join in the effort
of maintaining a sustainable society. Reusing goods and
reducing consumption, in addition to donating old or
unwanted materials, can have significant impacts on the
earth, as well. Individuals and families can help by
recycling at home, setting up their own compost piles,
choosing to purchase products made from recycled
resources, and learning of the many products that can
be recycled. Businesses can work to reduce their
overall waste and establish recycling programs. And
States and local governments can do their part to make
recycling easier for consumers by taking simple steps
like standardizing the color of recycling bins in
public places and effectively communicating recycling
policies to residents.

Communities across America must continue promoting
activities that encourage people to recycle and to
conserve so we do not take for granted today the world
our children will inherit tomorrow. We owe it to them
to leave behind a stable, secure planet, and that
begins with preserving the natural blessings of our
Nation. On this day, let us work to fulfill our
obligation to our next generation by safeguarding our
resources and working with our friends, family, and
neighbors to protect the world we share.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the
United States, do hereby proclaim November 15, 2015, as
America Recycles Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to observe this day with appropriate
programs and activities, and I encourage all Americans
to continue their reducing, reusing, and recycling
efforts throughout the year.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fifteen, and of the Independence of the United
States of America the two hundred and fortieth.