Environmental Progress - Fall 1997

Castoffs Deserve a Second Chance -- RECYCLE!

State pitched in to observe "America Recycles Day".

Illinois joined more than 30 other states on Nov. 15, to launch the first national "America Recycles Day." Gov. Jim Edgar officially declared Nov. 15 as "America Recycles Day in Illinois," and special events have been designed to spur participation by state employees.

Museum visitors learned recycling has many faces.

There was a little something extra with the second payroll checks in October -- a sign-up card asking state workers to pledge to buy recycled products, recycle more, or support a recycling event on Nov. 15. The pledge cards were entered into random prize dawings at the state and national levels. On Dec. 15 a drawing will be held in Washington, D.C., for the grand prize -- a new three-bedroom "American Green Dream House," built with recycled materials and energy efficient products.

To increase local awareness of the importance of recycling, the Illinois EPA joined with the Springfield Children's Museum, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs (DCCA), the state Department of Natural Resources, I-CYCLE (the recycling program for state agencies), the city of Springfield and the Sangamon County Department of Public Health. From Nov. 3-15, the partnership sponsored a "Buy Recycled Products" display at the museum. On Nov. 15, the group offered museum visitors interactive events including a large Recycle Crossword Puzzle, hands-on instruction for making Christmas ornaments and pencil holders from recyclable materials, and decorating paper grocery sacks for reuse.

A total of 230 parents and children took part.

The national effort was planned to increase consumer purchases of recycled products and support recycling and waste reduction. Statewide recycling days were organized, and special "Buy Recycled" showcase events were held in several major U.S. cities.

A statewide steering committee included representatives from Illinois EPA, DCCA, the Illinois Recycling Association, as well as representatives of commercial, industrial, institutional sectors, government, civic and environmental organizations.

More than 40 events around Illinois were scheduled to celebrate "America Recycles Day."