WHEREAS, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) recognizes that America Recycles Day, which began over two decades ago on November 15th, 1997, is a call to a unified global movement aiming to improve waste management systems and combating the effects of climate change in our environments.
WHEREAS, other nations and countries across the globe have initiated similar movements, “Go Green” campaigns, and adopting recycling strategies to influence sustainable living and taking responsibility by assisting with protecting the environment – land and sea, natural resources, and the precious lives that inhabit this earth.
WHEREAS, the Commonwealth acknowledges the significance of the continued prosperity of its citizens who call these islands “home” and takes part in this unified call to global action.
WHEREAS, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Recycling Economic Information (REI) Report published in November, 2020 reveals recycling is a critical part of the U.S. economy that created 681,000 jobs, increased $37.8 billion in wages, and generated $5.5 billion in tax revenue.
WHEREAS, the CNMI is committed to taking the necessary action and expanding our Commonwealth’s efforts in combating climate change by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste, which will create more jobs for our people and unlock a door of possibilities and increased economic output here in our islands.
WHEREAS, the island of Tinian has been leading efforts to assess and implement Zero Waste management opportunities to protect people, the environment, and support economically diverse and sustainable growth.
WHEREAS, the CNMI’s 2021-2030 Comprehensive Sustainable Development Plan (CSDP) supports the 10-year Sustainable Development Goal that by 2030, 50% of the recyclable waste stream will be diverted from CNMI’s environmentally-compliant waste management facilities on Saipan, Tinian, Rota, and the Northern Islands with diverted waste composted, reused, or sold to support sustainable waste management systems.
WHEREAS, since 2020, the Inter-Island Solid Waste Management Taskforce, comprised of representatives from Department of Public Works, Office of Planning and Development, Bureau of Environmental and Coastal Quality, and the Offices of the Mayors and supported by USEPA aims to have a completed comprehensive integrated solid waste management plan that includes “Zero Waste” initiatives ready for incorporation into the next CSDP update by 2025.
WHEREAS, on America Recycles Day, November 15th, we join as one Commonwealth to celebrate this day of awareness by bringing focus to the actions and strategies like the reduce, reuse, and recycle method that we can take partake in as a community.
WHEREAS, taking the necessary action and expanding our Commonwealth’s efforts in combating climate change by reducing, reusing, and recycling waste supports job creation, economic development, and sets a regional example for excellence in sustainability.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, RALPH DLG. TORRES, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and Laws of the Commonwealth, do hereby proclaim November 13-19, 2022 as
CNMI RECYCLES WEEK
I encourage everyone in our community to acknowledge and take part in the efforts to combat climate change, promote sustainable living, and protect our environment for our children and the future generations of our great Commonwealth. On America Recycles Day, we affirm our commitment to preserving our precious resources, working towards more sustainable production, consumption, and disposal practices, and creating a healthier and cleaner world.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand on this 15th day of November 2022.
/s/
RALPH DLG. TORRES
Governor
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