In a major step for environmentalists everywhere, Senator Thomas R. Carper of Delaware and Senator Olympia Snowe of Maine have introduced US Senate Resolution 251, which will be a major step forward for the equitable treatment of recyclable materials throughout the country. According to FoodBev.com, the International Bottled Water Association (IBWA) has embraced the new bill as a step forward for the sustainability for its products as well as the well-being of the environment.

"The bottled water industry supports effective recycling and environmental convervation policies," Joe Doss, president and CEO of the IBWA told the news source. "Any efforts to increase recycling while reducing the environmental impact of packaging must be broad-based and focus on all consumer goods, as this resolution does, and not target any one industry."

While the new resolution does not target any specific industry, excess water bottles have been a burden on local landfills. Research data suggests that it is one of the most common items found in curb-side recycling bins, but it will often end up in public trash cans and will need to be sorted out. The new resolution will shed a spotlight on the recycling industry to see if there is more to be done to siphon recyclable materials to the proper centers, and to see if a bottle deposit system for used water bottles is a feasible course of action.

The recycling industry lends billions of dollars to the economy and helps to put people back to work, so US Senate Resolution 251 could be a step in the right direction to becoming a more sustainable country. Hopefully with public education and proactive steps by our legislators, our national recycling rate can continue to rise in the near future.