Recycle For Earth Day

Earth Day is a time to celebrate gains we have made and create new visions to accelerate environmental progress. Earth Day is a time to unite around new actions. Earth Day and every day is a time to act to protect our planet. There are thousands of Earth Day celebrations across the world. Chances are there’s something going on in your community. So what can you do this Earth Day? 

Here’s an idea…

Hold a Free Recycling Event – When people think recycling they normally think of cans…phone books…newspapers…but there are a whole host of other items that are not so easy to recycle. How do you get rid of your old TV…computer equipment…furniture? Here’s a basic 5 step plan to organize your upcoming Earth Day event.

Step 1 – Find a location. It may be a large retailers parking lot. Target or Walmart sometimes lets organizations use their parking lots especially if there is a potential to draw large groups of people.

Step 2 - Find a Sponsor – It’s not as hard as it may sound. Try one of your local trash hauling companies. They will be overjoyed to have someone help organize an Earth Day event. Don’t forget to try to find sponsors for food, drinks and prizes.

Step 3 - Find Partner Organizations – You probably know several organizations off the top of your head that recycle items. Maybe someone who recycles computers or clothing, or an organization that operates a thrift store. Students at learning centers sometimes use cardboard or other materials in their projects. Get as many different organizations as possible.

Step 4 – Promote! Promote! Promote! - Ask each organization to contact their supporters and their media contacts about the event. Spread the word through newsgroups like Freecycle.org and don’t forget Craigslist.com.

Step 5 – Enjoy! - The event should accomplish two things for the organizations involved; get the word out and enhance your image as a friend of the environment.

Remember every fall America Recycles Day give you another chance to help your community recycle and learn more about your program and organization.