We want to keep the Ozarks beautiful. The Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a cultural landmark in Bentonville, AR, attracts thousands of visitors each year. However, despite its commitment to sustainability through its architecture and programs, the museum does not currently have a comprehensive recycling program in place. Implementing recycling at such an influential institution would set a powerful example for our community and help reduce waste significantly. By starting a recycling program, we can ensure that the beauty of the Ozarks is preserved for future generations.

Recycling has a lot of benefits that can help people and save the environment as well. Its importance can be observed in many different ways. Here are some great reasons why recycling is important:

Recycling saves the Earth! Recycling different products will help the environment. For example, we know that paper comes from trees and many trees are being cut down just to produce paper. By recycling it, we can help lessen the number of trees that are cut down. Products made from raw materials that came from our natural resources should be recycled so that we can help preserve the environment.

Recycling saves energy! It takes less energy to process recycled materials than to process virgin materials. For example, it takes a lot less energy to recycle paper than to create new paper from trees. The energy from transporting virgin materials from the source is also saved. Saving energy also has its own benefits like decreasing pollution. This creates less stress on own health and our economy.

Recycling helps mitigate Global Warming and reduce pollution! By saving energy in industrial production through recycling, the greenhouse gas emissions from factories and industrial plants are lessened and the use of fuels that emit harmful gasses during production is also minimized. Recycling non- biodegradable waste (rather then burning it) will contribute a lot to help reduce air pollution and greenhouse gasses that depletes the ozone layer.

Recycling reduces waste products in landfills! Landfills are mostly composed of non-biodegradable waste which takes long time to decompose. By recycling, we can lessen the waste materials that are placed into landfills and we are able to make the most out of these materials. If we don’t recycle, more and more garbage will go to landfills until they all get filled up. If that happens, where will the rubbish be placed? How would you like a land fill in you backyard?

There are many companies out there that help reduce the problem of overfilling landfills by offering options that make sense. When consumers seek out companies that have established green practices, the consumer wins by not only helping the environment but also by saving money.

Please sign this petition to urge Crystal Bridges Museum to adopt a robust recycling initiative!