If you've ever stopped to take a personal inventory of the garbage and waste you alone contribute to this country, you wouldn't think twice about recycling. One person can make a difference.

The concept act locally think globally, has been embraced by Renee Carman and the Darien Environmental Group in Connecticut. The Darien Environmental Group, which was started in 1990, is a non-profit organization made up of mostly volunteer mothers whose mission is to educate the residents of Darien about the ways to preserve and protect their environment. They accomplish this through adult out reach programs and in-school education programs. Many times, it is these kids who end up educating and inspiring their parents to recycle.

Find Out About the Recycling Policy in Your Area
Each state and town has different criteria for recyling. Some have curbside recycling -- recyclables are picked up at your home in one bulk container. In other towns you are required to collect and separate your own recyclables and take them to the local recycling center.

Places to Check

• Your city or county government. City governments almost always sponsor curbside recycling, so they'll be able to tell you if it's available where you live.
  
  
• Government departments: Public Works, Sanitation, Environmental Services
  
  
• Your state recycling office, which may have a list of recycling centers
  
  
• The Yellow Pages, under "recycling"
  
  
• Environmental organizations
  
  
• Local stores, which may take back things they supplied, like hangers at a dry cleaner or plastic bags at the local grocery store
  
  
• Schools, which may be interested in egg cartons or cardboard boxes for school projects