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To recognize and celebrate November 15, 2024 as America Recycles Day in Columbus, Ohio
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WHEREAS, the City of Columbus recognizes the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources, and work to make the world a better place by adopting conscientious living habits that will improve our daily lives and bring about a cleaner, safer, and healthier environment; and
WHEREAS, to focus the nation’s attention on the importance of recycling and closing the loop, businesses, industries, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals that have joined together to celebrate America Recycles Day and are encouraging their employers, staff, customers, membership, and all citizens to pledge to buy more recycled-content products starting on November 15, 2024; and
WHEREAS, although there has been a significant increase in the amount of recycling, we must continue to focus on other initiatives such as waste reduction, composting, the reuse of products and materials, and purchasing recycled products and packaging; and
WHEREAS, by encouraging businesses, State agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools and individuals to celebrate America Recycles Day, we can further promote recycling as an environmentally efficient and economically smart way of life; and
WHEREAS, State and local community leaders can help encourage recycling by informing citizens about the importance of buying recycled products; they can also help foster greater awareness of the need to expand collection programs for recyclable goods and materials by promoting the benefits of recycling investments for businesses; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus, through its Sustainable Columbus office, is committed to imparting equity and environmental justice through strong climate action and is guided by the Columbus Climate Action Plan which has a community-wide goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and 45% reduction in emissions by 2050; and
WHEREAS, the City of Columbus Climate Action Plan has strategies and goals around reducing waste, transitioning to clean energy sources and zero emission vehicles, increasing energy efficiency, increasing access to green space, and increasing the tree canopy in alignment with the City’s Urban Forestry Master Plan; and
WHEREAS, under the Climate Action Plan, the City of Columbus has set a goal of 40% reduction in recyclable waste land filled by 2030 and 95% reduction in recyclable waste land filled by 2050.
WHEREAS, Keep Columbus Beautiful, a national affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, is a community improvement program started in 1984 that focuses on public education and volunteer service related to quality of life environmental issues including litter, recycling and beautification. In 2023 Keep Columbus Beautiful facilitated 11,564 volunteers, 29,972.30 volunteer hours, 792 cleanups, and the removal of 365,637 pounds of litter; and
WHEREAS, founded in 2008, Columbus GreenSpot is a city program that inspires, educates, and recognizes households, businesses, community groups, and neighborhoods that adopt sustainable practices. Columbus GreenSpot currently has over 25,000 members throughout the city; and
WHEREAS, it is important that all citizens become involved in recycling activities and learn more about the many ways we can recycle as consumers; it is also fitting for all of us to celebrate America Recycles Day. In acting upon this, we help ensure a safe and healthy environment, and an improved quality of life for present and future generations.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS: That this Council does hereby recognize and celebrate November 15, 2024 as America Recycles Day in Columbus, Ohio.