Win the war against waste; America Recycles Day

  • Published
  • By Donald Goertz
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  November 15 is America Recycles Day - a special day set aside to encourage Americans to recycle and buy recycled products. First celebrated in 1997, the number of participants has grown each year as communities and individuals renew their commitment to preserving the planet's resources. 

Recycling has been around for many years and has proven to be an easy and effective way to manage waste. According to www.americarecyclesday.org, the average American generates about seven and a half pounds of waste each day - nearly one and a half tons a year! Recycling plastic, metal, glass and paper not only significantly reduces the amount of material sent to incinerators and landfills, it also goes into making many new products. 

Most people are used to seeing paper and cardboard made from recycled paper, but did you know the soda bottle you recycled a couple of months ago may be in that new bench down by the park? Or the glass bottle you turned in last year is now part of a surfboard catchin' a wave off of Maui? 

The more people recycle, the more material is available for products we all use every day. How does this help the environment? In addition to not going into landfills, using recycled material means manufacturers have to take fewer raw materials from the environment. This saves energy and helps preserve natural habitats. 

Malmstrom is committed to preserving the environment through purchasing products that are made from recycled materials as well as providing recycling programs on base. 

The Air Force is dedicated to protecting and respecting the natural resources of the world. As part of the ongoing "win the war against waste" campaign, an initiative to reduce solid waste, all active-duty members, civilian employees and their family members are encouraged to support the America Recycles Day Nov. 15 by renewing their commitment to recycling. 

Stop by the booth at the Base Exchange between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Nov. 15 for more information.