6 Easy Ideas to Start On This America Recycles Day

Recycling has been a commonplace part of American society for decades now, both in the home and at business locations from coast to coast. As a Keep America Beautiful campaign and an environmental movement, America Recycles Day remains a critical signpost for a variety of ongoing efforts from waste reduction to resource conservation, and conservation efforts to modern recycling programs that keep our household plastic, paper, and food waste out of landfills.

When it comes to recycling in America, you may be separating your plastics from cardboard every week but there’s more we all can do daily to reduce, reuse, and recycle. As we prepare to celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15, 2024 let’s take a look at where to start and how we can keep improving how use and dispose of a variety of things in our lives.

What is America Recycles Day?

America Recycles Day is a Keep America Beautiful campaign initiative across the whole country. It’s a day that is dedicated to promoting and celebrating recycling in America. What began in 1994 is now an annual event held on and around November 15 each year as a way of educating people on not only reducing, reusing, and recycling, but more mindful ways we all can alter how we consume products, drinks, and food every day.

6 Easy Ideas to Start On This America Recycles Day

Almost everyone is concerned about our planet, but many are overwhelmed by how exactly they can help with such a massive issue. It starts with individual actions and decisions made at home, at work, while shopping, and when you take out the trash every week. Here are six easy ideas to start on this America Recycles Day.

1. Consume Less

Waste management and waste reduction begin with consuming less. It is really that simple. The less we buy, use, and throw away, the less recycling is needed and less will end up in a landfill. Before shopping, it can be helpful to think about whether you really need that item. If you do need it, is there a “green” option, meaning something eco-friendly, passed standards for energy savings, and is built to last?

2. So No to Fast Fashion

Not only does fast fashion production involve the use of harmful chemicals and dyes that can pollute water sources and soil, but the mass production of trend-based clothing emits huge quantities of greenhouse gases. And they often end up being worn briefly and discarded! Instead, shop at thrift stores and buy clothing and eco-friendly fishing gear that lasts to help with environmental sustainability.

3. Don’t Throw Away Clothes and Home Goods

Instead of throwing away unwanted clothes and household items, consider recycling them by donating to a local charity, Goodwill, or Habitat for Humanity. You can also use social media channels to find new homes for these things.

4. Bring Your Own Bag Shopping

Skip the plastic bags when shopping in favor of reusable bags—even reusing some of your old plastic bags!

5. Look Into Carton Recycling Programs

Fifteen years ago, only 18% of U.S. households had access to food and beverage carton recycling programs but today, over 60% can recycle their cartons. Ask your town or city’s waste management department if you can begin to recycle paper and plastic cartons this year.

6. Recycling Fishing Line

Did you know that you can reduce your impact on the planet by recycling your fishing line? Learn all about the best environmentally conscious ways to take care of your old fishing line in time for America Recycles Day.

One of the greatest examples of reusing and recycling in the fishing world has been the Second Catch Collection conservation efforts which transform old clothes into fishing gear. The result is stunning, trendy, and cool attire donated to young women to inspire them, boost their confidence, and encourage girls to start fishing because research shows that women who fish are healthier and happier.