Posted on Nov 08, 2023 | News,Press Releases
Keep Louisiana Beautiful Affiliates Host Events for America Recycles Day
(BATON ROUGE, LA) – Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB) Affiliates will host events during the month of November to celebrate America Recycles Day, happening November 15.
“Recycling helps to reduce waste and protects our Sportsman’s Paradise from litter and pollution,” says Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser. “I commend KLB Affiliates for participating in America Recycles Day and providing recycling programs to Louisiana residents.”
America Recycles Day recognizes and promotes the benefits of recycling for our health, environment, and economy. Recycling reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills and incinerators; conserves natural resources like water, timber, and minerals; reduces pollution caused by mining raw materials; saves energy; and creates new jobs in the recycling and manufacturing industries.
Keep Abita Beautiful: Free Glass Recycling
November 11, 9 – 11 a.m., Abita Springs Town Hall Annex on Live Oak and Level Street
In partnership with Lemon Tree Recycling, citizens can bring up to an 18-gallon container of clean glass bottles or jars. Enter on Level St. Remain in your vehicle and volunteers will get your glass. Contact sandraslifer@gmail.com for information.
Keep Lafayette Beautiful: Paper Shredding Day
November 11, 9 a.m. – noon, Robichaux Center (1919 Eraste Landry)
Lafayette residents can bring paper to be shredded and recycled. Contact bforet@lafayettela.gov for information.
Ouachita Green, Keep Ouachita Parish Beautiful, Keep West Monroe Beautiful, Keep Monroe Beautiful: America Recycles Day
November 11, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m., Monroe Civic Center (401 Lea Joyner Expressway)
In partnership with DRAX, these four Community Affiliates invite citizens to properly dispose of recyclable items including paper, plastics, metals, electronics, tires, household items, furniture, and clothing. Paper shredding is provided by Ouachita Valley Federal Credit Union. Contact sdownhour@ouachitagreen.org for information.
Keep Lafayette Beautiful: Reusable Grocery Bag Giveaway
November 15, 8 a.m.
Keep Lafayette Beautiful will give away 500 reusable grocery bags to area stores for citizens to pick up. Stores include Nunu’s Youngsville, NuNu’s Scott, Breaux’s Mart, Super 1, Heleaux’s, Little Veron’s, Champagne’s, and Joey’s. Contact bforet@lafayettela.gov for information.
Tulane University: America Recycles Day
November 15, 11 a.m.
Students can recycle empty plastic bottles and aluminum cans at the Lavin-Bernick Center. Prizes available.
Keep ULM Beautiful: America Recycles Day
November 15, 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m., The HUB
The KLB Affiliate at the University of Louisiana Monroe is collecting aluminum cans, cardboard, and plastics 1 and 2. Contact hardee@ulm.edu for information.
Keep Eunice Beautiful and the Eunice Bulb & Blossom Club: Community Garden Family Holiday Festival
November 30, 5:30 – 7 p.m., Community Garden (2101 W. Ash Ave.)
Children will be able to repurpose empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls to create bird feeders. Contact baltakisd@bellsouth.net for information.
According to the EPA, the recycling rate in the U.S. has increased from less than seven percent in 1960 to 32 percent as of 2018. However, recycling is not happening in most of Louisiana. The Recycling Partnership released the 2022 State of Louisiana Residential Recycling Access and Infrastructure report, explaining that out of the roughly 190 municipalities and parishes surveyed, 45 offer residential recycling programs with 5 offering both curbside and drop-off recycling to all or select areas within the parish or municipality. According to the report, an estimated total of 623,000 tons of residential recyclables are currently being generated in Louisiana and landfilled instead of recycled due to limited or lack of recycling access.
“When recycling is not available, it’s important to reduce your impact by using less single-use plastics and reusing items when you can,” says Susan Russell, KLB Executive Director. “KLB’s recent litter study found that approximately 49.3% of visible litter along Louisiana roadways had plastic packaging material. You can make a difference by investing in a reusable cup, skipping the plastic straw, and using reusable shopping bags.”
KLB offers grants to implement recycling programs in communities and at outdoor events. Visit www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org to learn about grant offerings.
Media Contact:
Melissa Kenyon
marketing@keeplouisianabeautiful.org
678-346-5252
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Keep Louisiana Beautiful (KLB), a 501c3 non-profit supported by the State of Louisiana and the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, is focused on promoting best practices for litter prevention and reduction, beautification, recycling, waste reduction, and sustainability. The backbone of KLB is the organization’s network of 43 Community Affiliates and 10 University Affiliates – all committed to working toward a cleaner, greener Louisiana. KLB supports communities across the state with its programs, educational opportunities, and community improvement grants. KLB is affiliated with Keep America Beautiful. Learn more at www.keeplouisianabeautiful.org.
