By Kari Spurgeon
Would you say that you are committed to recycling? Every household, business and community that is committed to reducing, reusing or recycling helps to prolong the life of our landfill and in turn ensures the health and well being of our earth.
In 1997 America Recycles Day was started by the National Recycling Coalition to encourage Americans to commit to recycling. Each year, Nov. 15 is declared by a presidential proclamation to be celebrated as America Recycles Day.
The Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District is celebrating America Recycles Day with three great events.
First, on Nov. 11, we are one of the sponsors of the Déjà Vu Art and Fine Crafts show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at The Commons, 300 Washington St., Columbus. There is no entry fee to view and/or purchase art from 70 artists that use reused, reclaimed or recycled materials to create masterpieces. This is the place to find that unique gift for the hard-to-buy for person.
The second event, on Nov. 15, is “Get Caught Recycling.” Come to the Recycling Center, 720 S. Mapleton St., Columbus, or the landfill, 811 E. County Road 450S, Columbus, with your recyclable items and get a goody bag (while supplies last). Area businesses donated items for the goody bags. Thank you to Rumpke, Donut Central, kidscommons, Bartholomew County Extension Services: 4-H, Sam’s Club and Balance Message & Wellness for items and coupons. Goody bags will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis (limited number available, while they last).
The third event, on Nov. 18, is fall amnesty day at the Recycling Center from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bartholomew County residents may bring the following items at no cost:
Up to four tires (pick-up size or smaller, rims removed)
Up to two CFC or refrigerant-containing appliances
Up to two propane gas tanks
Speedy Shred will be available to shred documents from 9 to 11 a.m.
Celebrate America Recycles Day with us by attending one of these great events and by committing to reduce, reuse or recycle every day. The choices that we make can help reduce waste.
Buy products that use less packaging, purchase items made from recycled resources and avoid disposable materials whenever possible. Reuse items until they wear out. Reducing our waste, reusing things and recycling take a small amount of time, but are a huge investment in improving the world in which we live.
Kari Spurgeon is the education coordinator at the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District. She can be reached at 812-376-2614 or [email protected].
