[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 129 (Wednesday, September 24, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1833-E1834]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          AMERICA RECYCLES DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. SAM FARR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 23, 1997

  Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing 
legislation that would express the sense of the House that the country 
ought to give itself a pat on the back for its progress in recycling. I 
am joined in this effort by Mr. Porter, Mr. Gejdenson, and Mr. 
Gilchrest and I am proud to have them as partners in this worthy 
effort.
  This resolution would suggest that the House believes it appropriate 
that a national celebration of America Recycles Day be designated. This 
would be a day to celebrate the progress the country has made in 
establishing and integrating recycling programs in each state, in 
hundreds of cities, in thousands of communities.
  Whether it be the simple act of depositing an old Coke can in an 
aluminum recycling bin, or meticulously separating brown glass from 
green glass from clear glass and hauling them all down to the city 
recycling center, it is clear that Americans have learned that 
recycling is a valuable means of conserving resources, saving money, 
and keeping our environment clean.
  When you look at the trash that we generate in a year's time--208 
million tons worth--it is clear that it is incumbent on us to use less, 
recycle more and find new ways of managing our finite resources. The 
numerous recycling programs throughout the country are dedicated to 
this cause and each person who recycles ought to be commended for their 
dedication to a cleaner, safer environment.
  The resolution I introduce today with my colleagues will hopefully be 
a catalyst for more Americans to recycle and continue this positive and 
simple means to a better future.

[[Page E1834]]

  Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the text of the resolution 
be printed following my remarks.

                               H. Res. --

       Whereas the people of the United States generate 
     approximately 208,000,000 tons of municipal solid waste each 
     year, or 4.3 pounds per person per day;
       Whereas the average office worker in the United States 
     generates 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 United States has 
     reached 27 percent of the solid waste stream;
       Whereas making products from recycled materials allows the 
     people of the United States 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 the 
     products they 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 new products;
       Whereas recycling is completed only when recovered 
     materials are returned to retailers as new products and are 
     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 now available 
     to consumers;
       Whereas the United States has a two-way, use and reuse 
     system of recycling and buying recyclables; and
       Whereas Americans support recycling, but need a regular 
     reminder of the importance of buying recycled content 
     products, the availability of recycled content products, and 
     how to recycle: Now, therefore, be it
       Resolved, That--
       (1) it is the sense of the House of Representatives that 
     November 15, 1997, and November 15, 1998, should each be 
     designated as ``America Recycles Day''; and
       (2) the House of Representatives requests that the 
     President issue a proclamation calling on the people of the 
     United States to observe each America Recycles Day with 
     appropriate ceremonies and activities.

     

                          ____________________