Across America, citizens honor America Recycles Day by raising awareness of the importance of “closing the loop”.  Numerous activities are planned in various communities and schools.  If you are interested in planning or participating in an Earth Day event, contact the Livingston County Solid Waste Program at 517-545-9609 or solidwaste@co.livingston.mi.us. 

AMERICA RECYCLES DAY IDEAS AND EVENTS 

Government Classes Can:

Pass a Resolution/Pledge to Recognize November 15 as America Recycles Day

This project is a great way to learn about your local government while raising awareness of the importance of recycling and closing the loop.  Even Governor Engler and the State of Michigan has recognized November 15 as America Recycles Day!  Classes or groups may choose to either take this to their local municipality or help me present to the Livingston County Board of Commissioners.  Students will learn what it takes to introduce a resolution, see a project they initiated be adopted by local officials, meet and work with local officials and attend local board meetings.  I have contact information, example letters and resolutions for classes interested in participating. 

Libraries Can:

     Set up a display with books, magazines, and posters about recycling and buying recycled products.

Any Class Can:

        Set up a display or bulletin board in the hallway, at an athletic event or other visible area highlighting recycled products and what they are made from or into.

·        Plan a tour of Recycle Livingston or Tuthill Farms & Composting

·        Have a contest to see which class can get the most pledge cards from family and friends promising to recycle more.

·        “Borrow” paper grocery bags from a local grocery store and decorate with the America Recycles Day theme.  Also, you can announce where the bags can be recycled.

Girl/Boy Scouts or Other Group Can:

·        Go to a local shopping center (such as Wal Mart or Target) with a list of items made of recycled material (usually the store can help you with this).  Using a shopping cart decorated with ARD posters, collect as many of the items as possible into the cart.  Then leave the cart in a visible area or in front of a display to show shoppers which products are made from recycled materials.  Or leave “shelf talkers” near the products for shoppers to see.

·        Start an environmental fund raiser (sell compost bins, collect plastic grocery bags or printer cartridges).

·        Pass out postcards to shoppers that can be mailed to direct marketing companies to reduce junk mail.

·        Participating in an ARD event qualifies your troop members to receive the ARD patch!!!

Check back more of America Recycles Day events planned for Livingston County!