Little Rock residents are increasingly mindful of their impact on the Earth and how their decisions can lead to a sustainable future. In its broadest sense, sustainability can be defined as work to “meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” So, being a sustainable city requires us to evaluate clean energy solutions and advocate for public transportation, for example, at the same time we focus on recycling and waste reduction.

Recycling is the most common and likely the most practical way we can commit to a sustainable future. For many years, Little Rock has provided curbside recycling services. On at least two occasions throughout the year, we have special events to offer additional recycling opportunities to local residents.

This year, we will mark America Recycles Day on Saturday, Nov. 12, with an event at the Little Rock Zoo, 1 Zoo Drive, from 9 a.m. to noon. Our local recycling partners and Keep Little Rock Beautiful will be on hand in the Zoo’s East Parking Lot, at the intersection of Monroe Street and Zoo Drive. Waste Management will be on hand to take recycling items typically accepted in curbside carts, which may not be available to some residents, such as those who live in apartment complexes. Natural State Recycling’s Shred Smart truck will be at the event to shred and recycle unwanted or confidential documents. EPIC Glass Recycling will accept glass bottles and jars, and eSCO will collect electronic waste. Unwanted bicycles will be accepted by Recycle Bikes for Kids to refurbish and provide to a child or adult in need. And TREX, one of Little Rock’s newest corporate citizens, will accept plastic grocery and bread bags to be recycled and used for composite wood products.

We observe America Recycles Day each November along with Little Rock Recycles Day in April as ways to be more mindful of what we consume and how we reuse and repurpose items, in addition to learning about how and where to properly recycle. Saturday’s event provides Little Rock residents with opportunities to get involved and learn sustainable habits.

The City of Little Rock’s Sustainability Office works every day with residents, businesses, organizations and students to increase recycling participation, decrease recycling contamination and promote waste reduction. Recycling and waste reduction is one of the Sustainability Office’s six focus areas, along with green programs, clean energy, green space projects, energy management and alternative transportation. Read more about the Sustainability Office’s work here.

Please join us at the Zoo on Saturday for America Recycles Day, and I hope you’ll join me every day in working toward a more sustainable Little Rock.
 

• The Little Rock Board of Directors will meet today, Monday, Nov. 7, at 4 p.m. at the Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12th St., to consider the agenda for next week's meeting. Please note that the meeting is today instead of Tuesday because of Election Day. All board meetings are livestreamed on the City of Little Rock Facebook and YouTube pages. To view the agenda, click here. 
• Tuesday, Nov. 8, is Election Day. If you haven’t already voted, then Tuesday is the final opportunity to exercise your rights and have a voice in this year’s election. Polls are open from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Find your polling location here.
• It’s Week 14 of Project IMPACT, and we’ll be near downtown Little Rock this week, just east of Interstate 30. The area is from Sixth Street south to Ninth Street between College and Collins streets. As part of the City’s weeklong intensive clean-up effort in that area, residents may place bulk items at the curb for pickup at no charge until Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 7 p.m.
• The Little Rock Planning Commission will meet at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 10, at the Centre at University Park, 6401 W. 12^th St. The Planning Commission makes zoning and land use recommendations to the City Board.
• In observance of Veterans Day, city offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11.