[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 64 (Friday, April 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E813]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         IN HONOR OF EARTH DAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JAY INSLEE

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 20, 2007

  Mr. INSLEE. Madam Speaker, today, in honor of Earth Day, I introduced 
a resolution that would support the only nationally-recognized day 
dedicated to recycling.
  Every November since 1997, millions of Americans have become better 
informed about recycling and buying recycled products as a result of 
events held in honor of America Recycles Day. Last year, events were 
held in communities in every state. In my home state of Washington, 12 
communities are planning events to commemorate this important day in 
2007 in cooperation with counties, elementary schools, businesses and 
local troops.
  Recycling creates 1.1 million U.S. jobs, $236 billion in gross annual 
sales and $37 billion in annual payrolls. Recycling also saves energy, 
prevents air and water pollution, reduces the need for new landfills 
and combustors, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, reduces the need 
for extraction of certain natural resources, and can stimulate the 
development of greener technologies.
  Over the past 10 years, many new markets for recycled products have 
been created. For example, plastic containers can be remanufactured 
into other plastic containers, fleece, carpet, car parts, strapping, 
stuffing, bottles, pipe, lawn and garden products, injection molded 
products, and plastic lumber. Yet, as markets for recycled products 
have increased, recycling rates for certain recyclable household 
products, like plastic and aluminum containers, has decreased or stayed 
the same, and curbsid pickup programs have decreased in communities.
  There remains a significant opportunity to increase recycling in the 
United States and I believe that the activities of America Recycles Day 
provide one way to achieve this end. It is time for Congress to support 
this important day and effort. I urge my colleagues to take up this 
important resolution and pass this bill before America Recycles Day on 
November 15th.

                          ____________________