The Evangelical Environmental Network (EEN) is pleased to support the bipartisan RECYCLE Act proposed by Senator Rob Portman (R-OH) and Senator Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). The RECYCLE Act, which stands for “Recycling Enhancements to Collection and Yield through Consumer Learning and Education,” authorizes and instructs the Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to establish a grant program for communities to improve their recycling programs via education and outreach. 

We are pleased that leaders in Senate are stepping up to support recycling and confront the need to dramatically reduce our waste. Each year, up to 12 billion tons of plastic waste end up in God’s oceans, and we know that this is an affront to the glory of God as trash mars the beauty of creation. The reality is that we do not throw “away” anything, it just ends up in landfills. Recycling is a great alternative and the RECYCLE Act will help us reduce waste and clean up creation.

According to the EPA, recycling not only benefits our natural world but helps communities to flourish. Benefits include conservation of natural resources, economic security generated by domestic use of materials, cleaner air, and the creation of jobs. It is estimated that recycling creates 757,000 jobs and $36.6 billion in wages each year. It is clear that recycling is good stewardship. 

We applaud Senator Portman for his efforts to care for creation and improve recycling around the nation. The education and outreach supported by the RECYCLE Act will help communities to steward their resources, create jobs, and reduce plastic pollution. We urge other leaders in Congress to support this important bill. 

Preview photo: "Recycling" by Steven Penton without modification. Licensed under CC 2.0.