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TALLAHASSEE- The Florida Department of Environmental
Protection (DEP) and officials from other state and
local agencies celebrated America Recycles Day 2005 at
the State Capital Circle Office Center today. The event
encourages Floridians to conserve natural resources,
strengthen local economies and create jobs by making a
commitment to recycling and purchasing recycled
products.
“Waste reduction is not only vital to the
sustainability of Florida’s natural resources, it also
makes economic sense,” said DEP Secretary Colleen
Castille. “By taking personal responsibility for
managing waste, we can reduce pollution and reap the
environmental and financial benefits generated from a
thriving recycling and reuse industry.”
Exhibits and activities highlighted the principles of
recycling, reusing and reducing waste. Participants
competed in a “Junk Yard Art” contest, Kid’s Recycling
Contest, Paper Making, and Recycling Relay Race. Others
delivered hard-bound books, printer and toner
cartridges, cell phones, rechargeable batteries and
compact discs for recycling. In addition, DEP, the City
of Tallahassee, Leon County and the Department of
Management Services provided information and displays
for participants.
"Leon County produces 800 to 1,000 tons of garbage
daily,” said Leon County Commissioner Bob Rackleff.
“Half of that garbage can be recycled and put to a
better use. I urge Leon County citizens to think
globally and recycle locally, today and everyday."
During the past few years, recycling in Florida has
reduced the amount of waste disposed in landfills by
almost one third. The commitment of State employees has
resulted in the recycling of almost 4,000 tons of office
paper in Tallahassee alone since 2002, the equivalent to
saving 68,000 trees and 12,000 cubic yards of landfill
space.
America Recycles Day highlights the importance of
protecting the nation’s natural resources and reminds
Americans of their responsibilities as environmental
stewards. Last year, nearly 200,000 Americans took the
America Recycles Day pledge to prevent and reduce waste.
To learn more about Florida's America Recycles Day,
visit the website.
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