Each of us has our own point of view on what needs to be done about the environment. Some say we should do nothing, that mankind’s “progress” (and the accompanying collateral damage) is as part of the natural world as a salmon’s upriver swim. Some say nearly everything humans do is an affront to nature. Somewhere in between those extreme points is where most of us live – we want to minimize environmental damage, but we don’t want to have to sacrifice too much, financially or convenience-wise. And it’s this majority that most green organizations are trying to reach. Green groups know they need to show the mainstream, “look, you can help and you don’t have to try too hard!”

Thus was born America Recycles Day. What is an easier, more proven way to help save the Earth than to recycle? Nothing. (Yes, CFLers, I see you there waving your little intestinine bulbs. But today’s not your day).

So The National Recycling Coalition came along and for the past 30 years has been telling us just how easy it is. And it appears what they’re doing is working. So they create one day in particular as a kind of focus point to really drive it home, and that day is Nov. 15. Saturday, in many cities across the U.S. Captivate viewers, you don’t even have to click on the link – I’ll do the work for you. Simply read on.

Atlanta – Feel good not just karmically but physically by partaking in the 2nd Annual Mayor's Race 2 Recycle, or take advantage of the E-Waste Recycling Day at Grady High.

Boston – Many metro-Boston communities are holding activities, while BU hosts the city proper’s only listed event.

Chicago – The closest event I could find is a half-hour up the road in Schaumburg, where Prairie Center for the Arts is hosting the 7th Annual Environmental Fair.

D.C. – As if Rocco the Recycling Retriever isn’t enough, there will also be exhibits on composting and waste-reduction techniques, plus shredding/recycling events.

Los Angeles – There’s a bunch of events going on around the region. Check out the L.A. Clippers Recycling Fair or drive down to the Home Depot in Carson for Nokia's E-Waste collection event

New York – Most boroughs are taking part in the Green Screens Electronic Recycling events.

Philadelphia – The City of Brotherly Love wants to become the City of Zero Waste, and they’ll explain how they plan to get there during the RecycleNow Philadelphia Forum at The Academy of Natural Sciences.

Phoenix – Couldn’t find anything in Phoenix but if you’re up for a nice (albeit noisy) drive, pack up your cans and head on down to Tucson. Keep an eye out for uniformed Marines, who’ll take your cans and turn them in to benefit Toys For Tots. Or skip the middle man and just give them some toys (even better -- build a toy out of the cans!).

San Francisco – Leave it to the San Fran area to put together the funnest-sounding event: MacNear’s Beach in San Rafael is the spot to be for live music, a reptile event, environmental presentations and a beach cleanup.

If you partake, let us know by posting a comment below