New York State Executive Chamber | Governor Eliot Spitzer

Press Releases | Speeches | Executive Orders | Proclamations

Proclamation

Whereas, New York State recognizes the importance of protecting and preserving our natural resources and strives to improve the world by encouraging people to develop conscientious habits that will enhance all of our lives and bring about a cleaner, safer and healthier environment for future generations; and

Whereas, a national leader in recycling, the Empire State has undertaken many effective waste reduction programs, however, in order to further safeguard our environment, it is vital that we maintain a commitment to creating new recycling initiatives and continuing those which have proven to be successful; and

Whereas, each year, Americans generate more than 217 million tons of municipal solid waste - more than 4.5 pounds per person per day - and while the nation has reached an overall recycling rate of more than 28%, and New York State has reached 48%, much more can be done in this effort, such as purchasing products made with recycled content; and

Whereas, to focus attention on the importance of recycling and on various ways to increase recycling practices and programs, businesses, industries, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and individuals across this state have joined together to celebrate New York Recycles! 2007 and are encouraging their fellow employees and employers, staff, customers, membership and all citizens to pledge to do more; and

Whereas, participating in New York Recycles! 2007 is one way citizens can help raise awareness about the need to reduce waste by reusing, recycling, and buying recycled products; and

Whereas, State and local community leaders can help encourage recycling by informing people about the advantages of buying recycled products and packaging, instituting local recycling programs, expanding collection programs for recyclable goods and materials, and promoting the benefits of recycling investments for businesses; and

Whereas, it is important that all New York State residents become involved in recycling activities and learn more about the many recycled products and types of packaging available to them as consumers, and as we celebrate America Recycles Day 2007 with the theme: "It All Comes Back To You!," we should all strive to do more to ensure a safe and healthy environment, and an improved quality of life for present and future generations;

Now, Therefore, I, Eliot Spitzer, Governor of the State of New York, do hereby proclaim November 15, 2007 as Recycles Day in the Empire State.

G i v e n under my hand and the Privy Seal of the State at the Capitol in the City of Albany this thirteenth day of November in the year two thousand seven.

Eliot Spitzer, Governor

Richard Baum, Secretary to the Governor