[United States Statutes at Large, Volume 129, 114th Congress, 1st Session]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

 
Proclamation 9368 of November 13, 2015

America Recycles Day, 2015

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

Every American has a role to play in preserving our planet for future
generations. Being good stewards of our environment and protecting our
natural resources are imperative tasks for ensuring our children and
grandchildren live in a clean and sustainable world, and recycling is a
pivotal way each of us can do our part. Today, we acknowledge the
importance of reusing materials and reducing consumption, and we
recognize that a recycling bin may often be a better alternative to a
garbage can.
Each year, as much energy is saved recycling and composting as is
consumed by 10 million American households. Over one-third of everything
we throw away is recycled or composted, but many items that could be
recycled end up in landfills instead. Recycling paper, plastic, glass,
batteries, and other reusable items can have tremendous effects on the
land we live on, the water we drink, and the air we breathe. It also
helps reduce waste, conserve our natural resources, generate well-paying
jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries, and lessen the
amount of harmful emissions that contribute to climate change.
Recycling is one way all people can join in the effort of maintaining a
sustainable society. Reusing goods and reducing consumption, in addition
to donating old or unwanted materials, can have significant impacts on
the earth, as well. Individuals and families can help by recycling at
home, setting up their own compost piles, choosing to purchase products
made from recycled resources, and learning of the many products that can
be recycled. Businesses can work to reduce their overall waste and
establish recycling programs. And States and local governments can do
their part to make recycling easier for consumers by taking simple steps
like standardizing the color of recycling bins in public places and
effectively communicating recycling policies to residents.
Communities across America must continue promoting activities that
encourage people to recycle and to conserve so we do not take for
granted today the world our children will inherit tomorrow. We owe it to
them to leave behind a stable, secure planet, and that begins with
preserving the natural blessings of our Nation. On this day, let us work
to fulfill our obligation to our next generation by safeguarding our
resources and working with our friends, family, and neighbors to protect
the world we share.

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NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and
the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 15, 2015, as
America Recycles Day. I call upon the people of the United States to
observe this day with appropriate programs and activities, and I
encourage all Americans to continue their reducing, reusing, and
recycling efforts throughout the year.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this thirteenth day of
November, in the year of our Lord two thousand fifteen, and of the
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and
fortieth.
BARACK OBAMA