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1930's
During the Great Depression, people reused and recycled materials because they could not afford to buy new items or acquire virgin materials. Read more: http://www.all-recycling-facts.com/history-of-recycling.html#ixzz49WQT69Cl -
1940's
In the 1940s, goods such as nylon, rubber and many metals were rationed and recycled to help support the war effort. -
1950's
In the 1940s and 1950s, when landfilling became a cheap way to dispose trash, recycling was less popular. Read more: http://www.all-recycling-facts.com/history-of-recycling.html#ixzz49WRLEpzS -
1960's
The aluminum can is introduced. Recognizing the value of used aluminum cans as a raw material for making new cans, the aluminum industry will soon begin creating a massive system for recycling and redeeming used beverage containers. http://www.buschsystems.com/recycling-bin-news/2014/05/a-brief-timeline-of-the-history-of-recycling/ -
1970's
The international recycle symbol
This Mobius loop was designed by Gary Anderson, a 23-year-old-college student. Earth Day, April 22, 1970
The first Earth Day brings national attention to the problem of increasing waste and the importance of recycling. Founder, United States Senator Gaylord Nelson. 1973: Congress passes the Endangered Species Act to protect animals and their ecosystems. Read more: http://www.all-recycling-facts.com/recycling-symbols.html#ixzz49WT9mJ2O -
1980's
In 1981, Woodbury, New Jersey becomes the first city in the US to mandate recycling -
1990's
Total number of curbside programs in the US grows to a total of 5,404, a growth of 4354 programs in only 4 years! http://www.buschsystems.com/recycling-bin-news/2014/05/a-brief-timeline-of-the-history-of-recycling/ -
2000's
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) confirms a link between global warming and waste, showing that reducing our garbage and recycling cut down greenhouse gas emissions. http://www.buschsystems.com/recycling-bin-news/2014/05/a-brief-timeline-of-the-history-of-recycling/ -
2010
Earth Day 40th anniversary http://songsforteaching.com/drjean/happyevery_s/41earthday.pdf The 3 R’s – Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle REDUCE—look to purchase products that require less packaging or to limit the waste you are producing. REUSE—use a travel mug or reusable water bottle and avoid single-use bags RECYCLE—paper, plastic, glass, magazines, and more can be made into new products while using fewer natural resources and less energy. https://blog.epa.gov/blog/tag/recylcing/ -
2016
History NOW: The Martians: Extreme Recycling The Hi-Seas crew experiments with turning food scraps, shower water, and human waste into substances that could be used to help sustain future human life on Mars. http://www.history.com/shows/history-now/videos/the-martians-extreme-recycling-episode-5
