November 15, 2024: America Recycles Day

WHEREAS, Michigan recognizes the importance of recycling to protect natural resources, promote environmental stewardship, and improve the quality of life for Michigan’s residents; and,

WHEREAS, the recycling rate in Michigan has hit an all-time high for the third consecutive year, putting Michigan on track to achieve the state’s 30% recycling goal by 2029; and,

WHEREAS, ensuring that all Michigan residents and businesses have access to recycling opportunities and educating residents on how and why to recycle and fostering recycling market development will help create a circular economy and transformation of currently wasted materials into valuable resources; and,

WHEREAS, recycling paper, metal, glass, plastic, wood, textiles, yard waste, and food scraps is one of the most cost-effective strategies for communities and businesses to conserve energy, promote climate resiliency, reduce waste, and strengthen local economies; and,

WHEREAS, America Recycles Day, also known as National Recycling Day, is a national observance in the United States dedicated to promoting recycling across the nation; and,

WHEREAS, participating in America Recycles Day on November 15, 2024, is one way Michigan businesses and residents can help raise awareness about the need to reduce waste through sustainable materials management by reusing, recycling, composting, and buying recycled-content products; and,

WHEREAS, Michigan leaders can use this as an opportunity to spread the word about Michigan’s successful recycling programs, the growth of markets for recycled materials, and the importance of working to expand recycling opportunities to more businesses and communities; and,

WHEREAS, the Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy is promoting the “Know It Before You Throw It” campaign at RecyclingRaccoons.org, providing fun and easy-to-use information on how Michigan residents can recycle correctly because, now more than ever, it is important to properly recycle to maintain the quality of Michigan recyclable materials; and,

WHEREAS, celebrating America Recycles Day in Michigan can help continue increasing recycling in the state and highlight the fact that all Michigan residents can help strengthen the economy while contributing to a cleaner, healthier environment;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, and Garlin Gilchrist II, lieutenant governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim November 15, 2024, as America Recycles Day in Michigan. I encourage all residents and businesses of this state to join in this observance and seek out recycling opportunities in your communities.