ISRI Joins in the celebration of Earth Day 2015

In recognition of the 45th Earth Day, the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) is joining individuals and organizations around the world in celebration of the earth and what can be done to preserve it. Earth Day, started in 1970, takes place annually on April 22 in a worldwide effort to save and nurture the environment of which recycling plays a crucial role.

“Each year Earth Day provides us with an important reminder not only of the need to do our part to protect the earth, but also the positive impact the recycling industry has on the environment and energy savings,” said Robin Wiener, president of ISRI. “Together with our members, ISRI serves as an environmental steward to not only promote recycling at all levels, but also to educate future generations on the importance of recycling, and encourage manufacturers to design products with recycling and earth conservation in mind.”

Each year the scrap recycling industry recycles roughly 130 million metric tons of materials, thereby transforming society’s outdated and obsolete products and materials into useful raw materials needed to produce new products. In doing so, the scrap recycling industry has made great savings in both energy and natural resources and thus has had an extremely positive impact on our environment. Further, by purchasing products at the end of their life and processing them back into raw materials used in the manufacture of new products, scrap recycling reduces the need for virgin materials, such as iron ore, trees, and other natural resources. Recycling reduces energy consumption and the emission of greenhouse gases that contribute to global climate change, while helping to maintain a steady supply of raw materials for the U.S. and global economies.

ISRI is currently in Vancouver, Canada for its annual convention and exposition. Vancouver is one of the world’s “greenest cities.” The Vancouver Convention Centre features a “living roof” that is six-acres and houses various plants and collects rain water. The convention center annually recycles an average of 180,000 kilograms of materials.