News Releases - 1997

America Recycles Day Featured at Springfield Children's Museum

Springfield, Ill. -- An exhibit and special activity day at the Springfield Children's Museum will encourage children and their parents to buy recycled products as part of Illinois' participation in America Recycles Day.

America Recycles Day on Nov. 15 is focusing on increasing consumer purchases of recycled products, as well as boosting public support for recycling and waste reduction.

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency has joined in partnership with the museum, the city of Springfield, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, I-CYCLE (the state recycling program), Lake Area Recycling Services, and the Sangamon County Department of Public Health.

The partnership will result in a "Buy Recycled Products Display" in the museum's lobby from November 3 - 15. On Saturday, Nov. 15, the partners will sponsor several hands-on, interactive activities for museum visitors, such as a large Recycle Crossword puzzle, scavenger hunt, and making holiday ornaments from recyclable materials. The event will be fun for both children and adults while bringing home the message that we all need to "close the loop" and help provide markets as well as sources of recycled materials.

As a result of the generous contributions of Bank One, Consolidated Communications Directories, Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs, Lake Area Recycling Services, and Springfield Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company, the normal $3 admission fee for the Springfield Children's Museum will not be charged on Nov. 15 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. However, all individuals are asked to bring in a recyclable item. Lake Area Recycling is providing a drop-off bin in front of the museum. All recyclables except glass will be accepted.

The museum is located at 619 E. Washington and is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The Springfield event is one of more than 40 planned across the state as part of America Recycles Day. The Illinois Department of Commerce and Community Affairs is the lead agency for ARD activities statewide.