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What Goes Around.... A few years ago, when I was developing the Ready To Learn Service for WHYY, I read an article about the frustrating problem of broken glass on city streets and playgrounds, and it made a lasting impression. Not only was this a concern for organizations such as PhilaPride, the local affiliate of the Keep America Beautiful program, but also for the city's streets and recreation departments. Parents who take their toddlers to playgrounds have to be vigilant to avoid broken glass, which can exact both a physical and an emotional toll on the people in the community. A better way of disposing of empty glass bottles is to recycle them. And nearly every community has a recycling program.

What's more... Recycling efforts have expanded dramatically, and creatively, over the past decade. Beginning with yesterday's newspapers, recycling programs now provide effective ways to reuse motor oil, plastic, aluminum cans, Christmas trees -- even computers! In the springtime, vacant lots in the city are often transformed into urban gardens, where neighbors can grow fresh fruits and vegetables. Groups such as the Philadelphia Anti-Graffiti Network turn graffiti-covered walls, which undermine neighborhood pride, into beautiful murals. Last year, even Mister Rogers joined in the recycling movement by sponsoring a sweater drive. Recycling is good not only for the environment, it's good for people too. It's a great way to teach children how to preserve our natural resources. Cleaning up and caring about our neighborhoods also gives people a sense of ownership. Tell your child, "This house, this community, this country belongs to us, and it's up to us to take good care of them." The home is the first school, and a parent is a child's first teacher. Set a good example for your child by not littering, and by recycling items to help and protect the environment. Children can also learn about the importance of recycling from several TV12 programs that address this issue. Mister Rogers' Neighborhood, Noddy, Arthur, and Bill Nye the Science Guy all have episodes and activities to help children learn more about recycling. Native American philosophy often refers to the wisdom of considering how our actions today will impact future generations. At Ready To Learn, we share that perspective and encourage every parent, teacher and caregiver to teach children to value, respect and protect this very wonderful planet we call Earth. --Samuel M. Lemon, M.S.