The Resource Conservation Challenge September 17, 2002 Dear Colleague: On September 9, 2002, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced the kickoff of a campaign challenging Americans to meet or beat two goals by 2005: Boosting the national recycling rate from 30 percent to 35 percent, and curbing by 50 percent the generation of 30 harmful chemicals normally found in hazardous waste. To help meet the goals of the Challenge, we also announced 12 new innovative projects that will test creative approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling and land revitalization. The Resource Conservation Challenge urges Americans to take renewed responsibility for their individual impact on the environment. We are asking everyone to adopt smart environmental practices, make smart environmental purchases, reuse more products, and recycle at least one pound of their household waste a day. The results of the Resource Conservation Challenge and the innovative projects will be less waste, more economic growth and greater energy savings and recovery. The Challenge consists of a dynamic group of nearly 70 projects and activities designed to apply common sense approaches to waste reduction, recycling, and energy recovery. These projects are located in all the EPA regions, and possibly within your state. Complete details about the projects and the entire Challenge is on the Web at: www.epa.gov/epaoswer/osw/ conserve/index.htm. I have enclosed a fact sheet entitled, What Can You Save Today? to provide more immediate information. In addition to the Resource Conservation Challenge, EPA is also partnering with states and others to test innovative ideas to make EPA's waste programs more efficient and effective. Twelve creative projects demonstrate approaches to waste minimization, energy recovery, recycling and land revitalization that may be replicated across various industries, communities, and regions. The projects range from making plastics from plant materials, to demonstrating the reuse potential of recycling residential building materials, to designing readily reusable packaging for products purchased over the Internet. You can learn more about the Innovations Projects at: www.epa.gov/oswer/ IWG.htm. In addition to the Web, you can obtain information or order publications on the Resource Conservation Challenge from the RCRA Call Center. Callers within the Washington Metropolitan Area please dial 703-412-9810 or TDD 703-412-3323 (hearing impaired). Long-distance callers may call 1-800-424-9346 or TDD 1-800-553-7672. The Call Center operates weekdays, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Sincerely, /s/ Matt Hale, Deputy Director Office of Solid Waste Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Enclosure