How To Celebrate America Recycles Day on November 15

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I think America Recycles Day is one of my favorite little-known holidays to celebrate at the nursing home. That’s because it’s not only fun for residents and staff, but it also helps us do something good for our little corner of the world.

America Recycles Day saw it’s beginnings in Texas in 1994 and quickly spread around the country. On this day, we’re encouraged to recycle and to use products made from recycled materials.

Here are several ways to celebrate America Recycles Day with your residents:

Share memories

I naively used to think of recycling as an idea created by my generation. However, as I researched the topic, I discovered that recycling in various forms has existed for thousands of years.

Recycling became popular in the United States during World War II (1939-1945). Due to the enormous need for material goods to support the war effort, citizens were asked to conserve and recycle all sorts of products. This included rubber tires, silk stockings, old pots & pans, and even cooking fat.

I’m sure some of your older residents remember the recycling effort during the war. They’ll have fascinating stories to tell!

You can also find out more about recycling in wartime by reading the book, Waste Into Weapons, available on Amazon.

Host a guest speaker 

We once invited an employee from a nearby recycling center to come to our nursing home and talk with our residents. She shared great information about what they create from recycled materials.

I was surprised and fascinated by the products she showed us. For example, did you know that plastic bottles are turned into stadium seats, sleeping bag insulation, and carpet?

Form a team

At our nursing home, we have a Green Team that promotes recycling. This includes collecting facility newspapers, soda cans and bottles, and phone books for recycling.

They’ve also provided education and sponsored special events to promote recycling. If you choose to start a team, be sure to include residents as well as staff and volunteers.

Cut down on plastic

Invite local grocery and big box stores to donate cloth shopping bags. Pass them out to employees, residents, and visitors on America Recycles Day. It’s good advertising for the businesses, and it helps cut down on plastic waste.

Play a game

Check out this fun Ready, Set, Sort game. While meant for employees, I know your residents will also enjoy the education and competition involved in the game.

You’ll also want to share this recycling word search and this crossword puzzle with your residents.

Learn the facts

Share these 50 trash facts that help us understand the importance of recycling. For example, did you know that it can take 4000 years for a glass bottle to decompose when thrown in the trash?

Hold a collection drive

We’ve done this a few times at our nursing home, and it’s a good experience for both staff and residents. Besides learning about recycling, it also makes people feel like they’re doing something good for our community and our world.

Here are a few options:

• Collect old cell phones and donate them to a local women’s shelter.
• Donate eyeglasses to people overseas.
• If you live in a colder climate, collect gently used winter coats for low-income children.

I would love to know what you do to promote recycling in your facility. Please share in the comment section.

Also, be sure to check back on Friday when I’ll share activities to help your residents celebrate Mickey Mouse’s 90th birthday!