America Recycles Day, 2014

Proclamation 9211 of November 14, 2014

America Recycles Day, 2014

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

As a Nation, we must do all we can to leave the next
generation a cleaner, safer, and more stable world.
America's young people are tomorrow's environmental
stewards, and it is our responsibility to instill in
them a conservation ethic. Recycling reduces our
country's energy consumption, decreases our greenhouse
gas emissions, and conserves our natural resources, and
it is one of the first steps we can teach our children
and grandchildren to take as part of their everyday
lives. It also creates green jobs in America and
provides essential resources to our growing
manufacturing sector. Today, we recognize the
environmental and economic benefits that recycling
produces, and we celebrate all those who do their part
to build a more prosperous and sustainable future.

Americans generate approximately 250 million tons of
municipal solid waste every year. But more of this
trash--from our homes, workplaces, and classrooms--
could be recycled or reused. Individuals can compost
their food waste and donate items that are no longer
needed. The choices we make as we shop can also help
reduce waste. Families and individuals can buy products
that use less packaging, purchase goods made with
recycled resources, and avoid disposable materials
whenever possible. To discover additional ways to
shrink your environmental footprint and to learn how
and where to properly recycle common and uncommon
household goods, visit www.EPA.gov/recycle.

Every American, every business, and every community can
play a role in increasing the rate of recycling. In
small towns and big cities, recycling programs are
making a difference, and State and local governments
can continue to do their part by promoting these
programs, making them convenient, and continuing to
invest in their recycling infrastructure. The Federal
Government is leading by example, working to reduce our
environmental impact. And as American businesses
continue to innovate, they too can find new ways to
reflect their commitment to recycling in their bottom
line.

The actions we take today will determine what kind of
world we will pass on to our Nation's young people. On
America Recycles Day, we embrace our role not only as
custodians of the present, but also as caretakers of
tomorrow. Let us resolve to act boldly in the face of
great challenge and encourage our friends, neighbors,
and colleagues to join in the work of protecting our
planet.

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, 2014, 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
fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two
thousand fourteen, and of the Independence of the
United States of America the two hundred and thirty-
ninth.