Why every day should be Florida Recycles Day: A case for sustainable living
Each year, the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation and the Florida Department of Environmental Protection host Florida Recycles Day. This year the event will be held today at the Patel College for Global Sustainability at the University of South Florida Tampa Campus.
This annual event is an opportunity to raise awareness about the significance of recycling in our state and to encourage every Floridian to play their part in preserving our environment. Recycling is more than just a one-day event; it is a crucial everyday practice that benefits our state and communities.
The mission of the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation is to educate policymakers, business leaders and the public about the importance of recycling. Other than Florida Recycles Day, we provide educational programs to help Floridians learn how to recycle right.
Research projects are also important to the Foundation. Our last study was about the environmental and business impacts of discontinued municipal recycling programs in Florida. “Investigating the Economics of Current and Future Recycling Programs in Florida” showed that local governments saved very little money when they stopped their recycling programs. The savings were as little as $1 - $12 per household per year. However, the impact on the environment was significant.
Instead, we should consider a market-based recycling system,which means targeting high-value recycling commodities, such as plastic bottles, jugs, and tubs; aluminum and steel cans; and newspaper and cardboard to generate savings and mitigate the impact of waste on the environment.
Recycling conserves our precious natural resources, reduces waste, and lessens the environmental impact of extracting, producing, and disposing of raw materials. It contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Recycling also supports the creation of jobs in the recycling industry and encourages innovation in sustainable materials and technologies.
In Florida, our beautiful landscapes and diverse ecosystems are among our most valuable assets. Recycling helps to protect these treasures by reducing the amount of waste in landfills and the pollution that can result from improper disposal. This not only benefits our environment but also contributes to the health and well-being of our communities.
Florida Recycles Day is a time when we can all recommit to recycling and encourage our friends, family, and neighbors to do the same. Whether you live in a bustling city or a coastal town, everyone can make a difference by recycling and reducing waste.
I encourage everyone to participate in Florida Recycles Day by taking part in local events, educating themselves and their families about proper recycling practices, and making a personal commitment to recycle consistently. Simple actions, like separating recyclables from trash, can have a profound effect on our environment.
Recycling is a responsibility that extends beyond this designated day. It is an ongoing effort that requires our dedication year-round. By doing so, we can ensure that future generations inherit a cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable Florida.
Together, we can create a greener, more environmentally conscious Florida.
Keyna Cory is the Executive Director for the Florida Recycling Partnership Foundation located in Tallahassee, FL.
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This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: Celebrating Florida Recycles Day: A call to preserve our environment
