America Recycles Day, 2002

Proclamation 7627 of November 14, 2002

America Recycles Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Americans are dedicated to protecting our land,
ensuring that our air is clean, and preserving the
purity of our water. To help fulfill these
responsibilities, government, businesses, community
organizations, and every citizen must work together to
serve as good stewards of all of our natural resources.
On America Recycles Day, we renew our commitment to
preserving our resources by recycling and using
products made with recycled materials.

Recycling has become one of the most successful
environmental initiatives in our Nation's history. In
1990, Americans recycled or composted 34 million tons
of material. In the following decade, this number more
than doubled to nearly 70 million tons. These efforts
are helping to safeguard our environme by reducing the
need for landfills and incinerators. Last year, the
Federal Government contributed to these important goals
by purchasing paper, retread tires, re-refined oil,
concrete, insulation, and other products containing
recycled materials.

Our Nation also continues to develop innovative ways to
reduce, reuse, and recycle our waste. Although we have
made significant progress, much work still remains.
Americans generate more than 230 million tons of solid
waste each year. Simple measures can help communities,
businesses, and individuals decrease waste and extend
the use of our natural resources. Individuals and
families can participate in the recycling programs
offered in their neighborhoods.

At home and in school, parents and teachers can educate
children about the benefits of recycling and the
importance of caring for our environment. By purchasing
products made from recycled materials, American
consumers provide economic incentives for businesses to
collect, produce, and market more products that are
recycled and recyclable. Our recycling and reuse
industry provides approximately 1.4 million jobs,
producing billions of dollars in annual revenues that
contribute to the prosperity of our country. By
recycling, we conserve our valuable resources, protect
our air and water from harmful pollutants, and
strengthen our economy.

On America Recycles Day, I encourage all Americans to
rededicate themselves to using our resources more
wisely by reusing and recycling the materials they
purchase. Through these efforts, we help make our
communities more livable, our businesses more
competitive, and our Nation a healthier place for
future generations to enjoy.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the
United States of America, by virtue of the authority
vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United
States, do hereby proclaim November 15, 2002, as
America Recycles Day. I call upon the people of the
United States to observe this day with appropriate
programs and activities.

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

(Presidential Sig.)B