DiscoverNEPA is partnering with Pennsylvania Environmental Council, a nonprofit that protects and restores the natural and built environments to improve the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians. Keep an eye on this series for updates on PEC projects, volunteer opportunities, Tail on the Trail activities and so much more.
Learn How You Can Get Involved and have a Positive Impact on Your Community
I love everything about November, but there are some things that make the holidays challenging for an eco-conscious person. The leftover individually wrapped candies from Halloween, the stack of plastic grocery bags after the Thanksgiving shopping trip, and of course the never-ending plastic-wrapped Amazon finds for the giving season. Single-use plastic fills our lives, and then the landfill, and despite our best intentions, less than 5% of all produced plastic gets recycled. It’s time to change the way we look at single-use plastic.
As we look towards a more sustainable future, the importance of recycling has never been clearer.
With the growing challenges of waste management and environmental conservation, it’s essential for communities to come together and make a positive impact. For residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania, getting involved in recycling efforts is a crucial step in protecting our beautiful region and the planet.
Get Involved!
Every year on November 15, America Recycles Day serves as a national reminder of the importance of recycling and waste reduction. This day encourages individuals and communities to reflect on their recycling habits and commit to more sustainable practices. Here are some ways you can get involved in the celebration:
Educate Yourself and Others – Understanding what can and cannot be recycled is crucial. Many communities have specific guidelines for recycling, and things like your blueberry containers, iced coffee cups, and other plastic containers often don’t fit the bill. Check your local municipality’s website for detailed information, then share this knowledge with your neighbors!
Participate in Local Challenges – Look for community events on or around America Recycles Day. Here at PEC, we are collecting Halloween candy wrappers through November with Terracycle, a company that “recycles the unrecyclable.” Additionally, we are participating in the NexTrex Challenge now through November 2025. Help us reach out goal of collecting 1000 pounds of clean and dry plastic film, such as grocery/produce bags, plastic wrap, shipping packaging, and more! Interested in getting your hands dirty? We are also co-leading a tire cleanup and recycling event on November 17th in Sugar Notch. More information about all of these initiatives can be found on the Keep Northeastern PA Beautiful Facebook page, PEC’s local Keep PA Beautiful affiliate!
Reduce, Reuse, RETHINK – Remember that recycling is just one part of the waste management hierarchy, and it is said last for a reason! Focus on rethinking your plastic use, reducing the amount of waste you generate and reusing items whenever possible. Consider starting a compost bin for organic waste or swapping items with friends instead of throwing them away.
Recycling requires collective effort.
As residents of Northeastern Pennsylvania, you have the power to make a significant impact in your community. With America Recycles Day approaching, it’s the perfect time to recommit recycling, educate yourselves and others, and take tangible steps towards a more sustainable future. Together, we can create a cleaner, greener world for generations to come!
