The 22nd Annual “America Recycles Day” (ARD) as always will be on November 15, 2018. ARD is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to encouraging Americans to recycle and to buy recycled content products. Each year since inception in 1997, the ARD campaign has increased in awareness and has continued to evolve.
Since 1997, 2,762 events have been held nationwide. For 2018, there will be at least 97 additional ARD events, with five in California:
- Nov. 13 – City of San Leandro, “Recycle Unusual Items” Collection. Marina Community Center, 9 am – 1 pm.
- Nov. 15 – San Jose “Amazon Celebrates ARD” E-Waste (Electronics) Collection. Eastridge, 11 am – 7 pm.
- Nov. 10 – Anaheim “Eco Challenge Day” Collections Event
- Nov. 13-15 County of Ventura, ARD Display & “I Recycle” Pledge Drawing
- Nov. 17 – City of Torrence “E-Waste & Shredding” Event
For 2019, the most promising target for encouraging participation of Bay Area ARD events should be among Bay schools and student organizations, at all levels, given their greater propensity and enthusiasm for sustainability, and willingness to take action. See the NCRA letter sent to the superintendents of Unified School Districts within Alameda County.
Since 1997, at least 76,240 Americans have taken the Pledge to increase their recycling habits at home and at work. NCRA supports America Recycles Day, and has taken the online Business Pledge. We encourage our members and friends to take Individual Pledges in solidarity at https://americarecyclesday.org/pledge/. Encourage others to consider doing likewise.
For 18 consecutive years, from 1999 to 2016, each sitting U.S. President, W. Clinton, G. W. Bush and B. Obama, has issued a descriptive Proclamation “America Recycles Day”, on or about November 15. See them all at http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/proclamations.php. Unfortunately, the succession of annual US Presidential ARD Proclamations has ended, with President Donald Trump electing to not issue such a proclamation during 2017, and unlikely for this year.
Consider reading and sharing the last 2016 Proclamation by President Obama, for encouragement, to help transform the public from the garbage as usual paradigm, more towards a Zero Waste mentality. Keeping more and more valuable resources out of dwindling landfills, in part by raising citizens awareness and conscientiousness, remains a collective ongoing campaign vital to our common welfare. Thanks for doing your part.