[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 111 (Thursday, July 31, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8612]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        SENATE RESOLUTION 116--DESIGNATING AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

  Mr. LEVIN (for himself and Mr. Jeffords) submitted the following 
resolution; which was referred to the Committee on the Judiciary:

                              S. Res. 116

       Whereas citizens in the United States generate 
     approximately 208,000,000 tons of municipal solid waste a 
     year or 4.3 pounds per person per day;
       Whereas the average worker generated between 120 and 150 
     pounds of recoverable white office paper a year;
       Whereas the Environmental Protection agency recently 
     estimated that the recycling rate in the Untied States has 
     reached 27 percent;
       Whereas making products from recycled materials allows us 
     to get the most use of every tree, every gallon of oil, every 
     pound of mineral, every drop of water, and every kilowatt of 
     energy that goes into products we buy;
       Whereas manufacturing from recycled materials creates less 
     waste and fewer emissions;
       Whereas recycling saves energy, reducing the need to 
     deplete nonrenewable energy resources;
       Whereas it is estimated that 9 jobs are created for every 
     15,000 tons of solid waste recycled into a new product,
       Whereas recycling is completed only when recovered 
     materials are returned to the retailer as new products, and 
     then purchased by consumers;
       Whereas buying recycled products conserves resources and 
     energy, reduces waste and pollution and creates jobs;
       Whereas more than 4,500 recycled products are available to 
     consumers;
       Whereas we have a two-way, use and reuse system of 
     recycling and buying recycling; and
       Whereas Americans support recycling, but need a regular 
     reminder of the importance of buying recycled content 
     products and the availability of recycled content products 
     and instructions on how to recycle: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the Senate--
       (1) designates November 15, 1997, and November 15, 1998, as 
     `'America Recycles Day''; and
       (2) requests that the President issue a proclamation 
     calling on the people of the United States to observe 
     ``America Recycles Day'' with appropriate ceremonies and 
     activities.

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