Artesia News

CalRecycle challenges Californians to recycle more, waste less

In honor of Earth Day, which just passed, CalRecycle is challenging Californians to recycle more.

"California continues to lead the nation in recycling and waste reduction, but we can still do so much more," said Mark Leary, CalRecycle acting director. "That's why all April long CalRecycle challenges Californians young and old to celebrate the beauty of our planet and learn new ways to protect our environment through product reuse and recycling."

CalRecycle's Earth Day webpage includes links to help Californians find recycling facilities in or near their hometowns for beverage containers, old electronics, and dozens of other products found around the home or workplace. In addition, visitors will find information about how to reduce the amount of waste they generate, the importance of reusing items when possible, and the many benefits of recycling. When people recycle materials instead of throwing them away, it translates into energy savings, financial incentives, natural resource conservation, job creation, and less overall strain on the environment.

The coolcalifornia.org calculator is also available through CalRecycle's Earth Day page for use by the commercial sector. This calculator determines cost and energy savings for different waste reduction scenarios, from telecommuting, to using energy-efficient lights, to recycling paper. Industry generates more than half of all waste that enter California's landfills. Businesses that conserve and recycle make a big impact on waste diversion, and also save money.

Statewide, California is keeping about 65 percent of its waste out of landfills. That means of the 90 million tons of waste generated in 2009, 21.2 tons went into landfills. This is actually less trash tahn in previous years due in part to a slowing of the economy. As the economy rebounds and manufacturing increases, it will be more important than ever to conserve resources and recylce.

Earth Day is celebrated annually on April 22. For more information, visit www.calrecycle.ca.gov.