CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
It all comes back to you. Take the pledge to recycle.
November 15 is America Recycles Day -- which is a special day set aside to encourage Americans to recycle and buy recycled products.
This year's campaign to "Make an Effort to Make a Difference" adds to the slogan of "It All Comes Back to You" because a small shift in attitude and actions multiplied by the attitudes of others can have a significant change in the world.
The more participation Charleston AFB has the better because even a little help goes a long way. Recycling is one of the easiest ways Airmen can help slow climate change and global warming. By recycling at home, everyone can help significantly lower carbon emissions associated with extracting virgin materials and manufacturing products and waste disposal.
Recycling is one of the most successful environmental initiatives in this country's history. While there's still much to do, efforts of the past few decades are really paying off.
Twenty years ago, there was only one curbside recycling program in existence in the United States. Today, because o the involvement of concerned citizens, organizations and corporations, there are more than 10,000 curbside programs in the United States.
These programs, along with drop-off and buy-back centers, now help divert about 33 percent of the nation's solid waste stream away from landfills -- a rate that has almost doubled during the past 15 years.
In 2006, the amount of energy saved from recycling aluminum and steel cans, plastic and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging was equivalent to:
· The amount of electricity consumed by more than 17 million Americans in one year.
· 29 percent of nuclear electricity generated in the U.S. in on year.
· More than 7 percent of electricity generated from fossil fuels in the U.S. in one year.
· 11 percent of the energy produced by coal fired power plants in the U.S.
· The amount of gasoline used in almost 11 million automobiles in one year.
Recycling saves energy and reduces greenhouse gas emissions that cause global warming. If the recycling rate for aluminum and steel cans, plastic polyethylene terephthalate and glass containers, newsprint and corrugated packaging were to increase an additional 10 percent, then almost 4 million tons of material would be recycled, saving enough energy to:
· Heat 1.5 million homes in a moderate climate for one year.
· Provide required electricity to 1.8 million Americans for one year.
· Save Americans about $957 million in avoided costs for barrels of crude oil.
South Carolina has developed one of the nation's top America Recycles state campaigns. This year, accept the challenge to recycle and buy products made from recycled materials. Take the pledge today to recycle.
Taking the pledge means participants will:
· Find out what materials can and cannot be recycled in the community.
· Lead by example in the neighborhood by recycling batteries, cell phones and other electronic waste.
· Let friends know that recycling is the easiest thing they can do to slow global warming.
Events are being held across the state to encourage residents to fill out a pledge card challenging them to recycle and buy products made from recycled materials.
To view or download the challenge card, go to http://www.scdhec.gov/eqc/lwm/recycle/forms/card_06.pdf >.
The South Carolina statewide challenge card drawing will be held Nov. 21. The state challenge prize is a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond provided by the S.C. Beverage Association.
So take the pledge today -- It All Comes Back to You!