“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,” Obama said. “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.”
According to the proclamation, recycling saves the energy use equivalent of 10 million households, and Americans recycle more than a third of their waste. The president called on citizens to increase those figures, urging families to recycle, compost and purchase recycled or recyclable products. He also tasked businesses with establishing programs, and asked state and local governments to promote recycling in their jurisdictions.
“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,” Obama said. “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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