[Weekly Compilation of Presidential Documents Volume 38, Number 46 (Monday, November 18, 2002)]
[Page 2035]
[Online from the Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]

<R04>
Proclamation 7627--America Recycles Day, 2002

 November 14, 2002

 By the President of the United States

 of America

 A Proclamation

    Americans are dedicated to protecting our land, ensuring that our 
air is clean, and preserving the purity of our water. To help fulfill 
these responsibilities, government, businesses, community organizations, 
and every citizen must work together to serve as good stewards of all of 
our natural resources. On America Recycles Day, we renew our commitment 
to preserving our resources by recycling and using products made with 
recycled materials.
    Recycling has become one of the most successful environmental 
initiatives in our Nation's history. In 1990, Americans recycled or 
composted 34 million tons of material. In the following decade, this 
number more than doubled to nearly 70 million tons. These efforts are 
helping to safeguard our environment by reducing the need for landfills 
and incinerators. Last year, the Federal Government contributed to these 
important goals by purchasing paper, retread tires, re-refined oil, 
concrete, insulation, and other products containing recycled materials.
    Our Nation also continues to develop innovative ways to reduce, 
reuse, and recycle our waste. Although we have made significant 
progress, much work still remains. Americans generate more than 230 
million tons of solid waste each year. Simple measures can help 
communities, businesses, and individuals decrease waste and extend the 
use of our natural resources. Individuals and families can participate 
in the recycling programs offered in their neighborhoods.
    At home and in school, parents and teachers can educate children 
about the benefits of recycling and the importance of caring for our 
environment. By purchasing products made from recycled materials, 
American consumers provide economic incentives for businesses to 
collect, produce, and market more products that are recycled and 
recyclable. Our recycling and reuse industry provides approximately 1.4 
million jobs, producing billions of dollars in annual revenues that 
contribute to the prosperity of our country. By recycling, we conserve 
our valuable resources, protect our air and water from harmful 
pollutants, and strengthen our economy.
    On America Recycles Day, I encourage all Americans to rededicate 
themselves to using our resources more wisely by reusing and recycling 
the materials they purchase. Through these efforts, we help make our 
communities more livable, our businesses more competitive, and our 
Nation a healthier place for future generations to enjoy.
    Now, Therefore, I, George W. Bush, President of the United States of 
America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim November 15, 2002, as 
America Recycles Day. I call upon the people of the United States to 
observe this day with appropriate programs and activities.
    In Witness Whereof, I have hereunto set my hand this fourteenth day 
of November, in the year of our Lord two thousand two, and of the 
Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and twenty-
seventh.
                                                George W. Bush

 [Filed with the Office of the Federal Register, 8:45 a.m., November 18, 
2002]

Note: This proclamation will be published in the Federal Register on 
November 19.