According to the U.S. EPA, over 11 million tons of textiles are trashed annually. On the individual level, the average American throws away 68 pounds of clothing per year. When textiles are diverted from the trash, valuable resources are kept in use, carbon dioxide emissions are reduced and landfill space is saved.
USAgain, a textile recycling company, is launching the America Recycles Day Contest — a month-long recycling drive in November for schools to recycle textiles and earn cash prizes.
More than 500 schools nationwide will participate, with cash prizes going to the five schools that collect the most clothing in pounds. The grand prize is $1,000, with runner-up prizes of $750, $500, $250 and $100.
“America Recycles Day is a great opportunity for us to give back to schools while promoting recycling,” said Mattias Wallander, CEO of USAgain. “As a recycling company, it’s our job to illustrate the importance of saving valuable resources and reducing waste.”
This year will mark the 8th annual America Recycles Day Contest. Past winners include Alpha Montessori School in Westchester, IL and Picasso Preschool in El Granada, CA. The contest is open to both public and private schools of all ages.
To learn more and to sign your school up for the America Recycles Day Contest, visit www.usagain.com/america-recycles-day.
> To read more about doing good in your community, check out these articles at NextStepU.com:
• Community service and volunteerism
• Being the change
• 10 community service ideas for teens
