[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 3, Volume 1]
[Revised as of January 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 3CFR7627]

Proc. 7627

[[Page 183]]

Proclamation 7627 of November 14, 2002

America Recycles Day, 2002

By the President of the United States of America

A Proclamation

          Americans are dedicated to protecting our land, ensuring that 
          our air is clean, and preserving the purity of our water. To 
          help fulfill these responsibilities, government, businesses, 
          community organizations, and every citizen must work together 
          to serve as good stewards of all of our natural resources. On 
          America Recycles Day, we renew our commitment to preserving 
          our resources by recycling and using products made with 
          recycled materials.
          Recycling has become one of the most successful environmental 
          initiatives in our Nation's history. In 1990, Americans 
          recycled or composted 34 million tons of material. In the 
          following decade, this number more than doubled to nearly 70 
          million tons. These efforts are helping to safeguard our 
          environme by reducing the need for landfills and incinerators. 
          Last year, the Federal Government contributed to these 
          important goals by purchasing paper, retread tires, re-refined 
          oil, concrete, insulation, and other products containing 
          recycled materials.
          Our Nation also continues to develop innovative ways to 
          reduce, reuse, and recycle our waste. Although we have made 
          significant progress, much work still remains. Americans 
          generate more than 230 million tons of solid waste each year. 
          Simple measures can help communities, businesses, and 
          individuals decrease waste and extend the use of our natural 
          resources. Individuals and families can participate in the 
          recycling programs offered in their neighborhoods.
          At home and in school, parents and teachers can educate 
          children about the benefits of recycling and the importance of 
          caring for our environment. By purchasing products made from 
          recycled materials, American consumers provide economic 
          incentives for businesses to collect, produce, and market more 
          products that are recycled and recyclable. Our recycling and 
          reuse industry provides approximately 1.4 million jobs, 
          producing billions of dollars in annual revenues that 
          contribute to the prosperity of our country. By recycling, we 
          conserve our valuable resources, protect our air and water 
          from harmful pollutants, and strengthen our economy.
          On America Recycles Day, I encourage all Americans to 
          rededicate themselves to using our resources more wisely by 
          reusing and recycling the materials they purchase. Through 
          these efforts, we help make our communities more livable, our 
          businesses more competitive, and our Nation a healthier place 
          for future generations to enjoy.
          NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the United 
          States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by 
          the Constitution and laws of the United States, do hereby 
          proclaim November 15, 2002, as America Recycles Day. I call 
          upon the people of the United States to observe this day with 
          appropriate programs and activities.

[[Page 184]]

          IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
          fourteenth day of November, in the year of our Lord two 
          thousand two, and of the Independence of the United States of 
          America the two hundred and twenty-seventh.

GEORGE W. BUSH