America Recycles Day here at D-M…It’s not just the 15th, it’s everyday

  • Published
  • By Renee Riegert, Pollution Prevention Program Manager
DAVIS-MONTHAN AIR FORCE BASE, Ariz. --  November 15 is the day America has proclaimed as America Recycles Day. This day is to remind and re-educate everyone about our direct and indirect impacts on the environment. Just remember, it is not about just this one day in November, it is about the mindset and constant awareness of how we impact our environment and resources. This is especially important during the upcoming holiday and party seasons with all of the trash generated from festivities, gifts, and of course the gut-busting meals.

I challenge each of you to collect more recyclables during the holidays than you have before. You can even make it a family and kid-friendly challenge to see who collects the most, with rewards. The concept of recycling isn't only about the proper disposal of used up materials, it's also about purchasing recycled materials.

There are a multiple products that are packaged with recycled materials, or have reduced packaging to help reduce waste. As you go shopping, look at the labels and packages for the various ways you can continue the recycling loop all year round. This season is the best time to start looking for gift bags and wrapping paper to package your own gifts. Some ideas are to use the sports pages of your newspaper as wrapping paper for that active sports person. Or use old or draft design drawings (unclassified of course) for a scientist or engineer you may know, and so on.

I'm not asking for you to purchase something out of your comfort zone or to do something that you don't feel personally comfortable doing. I just ask that you spend a few more seconds on making your decisions.

Keep in mind that recycling doesn't have to be a home only habit, but can be done at work. For example, as your office plans special events for the upcoming holidays, consider having recycle bins nearby and have them taken to the Recycle Center located at Building 4868, on the corner of Yuma and Casa Grande.

For fiscal year 2012, D-M diverted 52.1 percent of material from being landfilled. Thank you. Help us increase that diversion rate for this upcoming fiscal year.