T-L Photos/ERIC AYRES A HUGE truckload of newspapers, boxes and other recycleable paper products was collected Saturday in the Ohio Valley Mall parking lot, where the Jefferson-Belmont Regional Solid Waste Authority held a special mixed paper recycling collection. The program was part of special events leading up to America Recycles Day today, and half of the proceeds from drop offs this week benefitted local food pantries. Manning the paper drop off station were Ken Jones and Dave Rykowski of the solid waste authority, along with volunteer Jeremy Greenwood, center, of the St. Clairsville Downtown Revitalization Task Force. Visit cu.timesleaderonline.com.

ST. CLAIRSVILLE - The practice of going green has picked up steam in recent years, and today citizens across the nation are being reminded to help the cause by doing their part for the sake of the environment. Today is America Recycles Day, and this year’s theme is “It All Comes Back to You.” The purpose of America Recycles Day is to focus the nation’s attention on the importance of recycling and to promote its practice among all businesses, organizations, government entities and individuals. Statistics show that each year, Americans generate more than 217 million tons of municipal solid waste. That equates to more than 4.5 pounds of solid waste per person, per day. Consciousness has been raised about environmental issues in recent years, and more people than ever before are embracing “green” habits and lifestyles. Today, the overall national recycling rate has risen to around 33 percent.