The Recycling Symbol Is In The Public Domain

Who invented this Mobius loop?

recycling logo

Interesting Facts in Easy English

Pre-Listening Vocabulary

  • logo: symbol for a brand, company, event, or idea
  • raise awareness: help people know or learn about something
  • trademark: a name or symbol that only one person or group has the legal right to use
  • public domain: not subject to copyright; available for all to use

The Recycling Symbol Is In The Public Domain

The recycling symbol is a symbol. People around the world recognize that three arrows in a formation identify a recyclable object. Recycling bins often contain this symbol as well. This symbol was designed by an American college student in 1970. Gary Anderson, an architect , designed the logo for a contest held by the Container Corporation of America (CCA). The first Earth Day had a lot of interest in environmental issues, and the CCA wanted to raise more awareness about waste paper collection. It was quite some time after Gary Anderson won the CCA’s contest that the symbol became internationally recognized. Though CCA did try to the logo as a trademark, it did not succeed. Since then, the logo has been in the public domain. This means anyone can use it and adapt it.

Comprehension Questions

  1. Who designed the recycling symbol?
  2. What was the CCA’s involvement?
  3. Why can anyone use or adapt the recycling symbol?

Discussion Questions: How does your nation fare compared to other nations when it comes to recycling?

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