This great big planet seems to be getting smaller and smaller. As more people call it home, the need to conserve, preserve and recycle is becoming more and more evident. While it's not possible for one person to solve all the world's problems when it comes to preservation and conservation, a single human can make a huge difference in a single community or an area.

Recycling is one of the best ways a person can make a difference in their community. The effort is relatively simple, generally supported by curbside pick up and can even be financially beneficial. Plus, it benefits the planet.

If you doubt the necessity to recycle, take a look at your weekly trash. Now consider what items could be pulled out and saved from a trip to a landfill. Cuts the number of bags down by a lot, doesn't it?

If you'd like to get started recycling, but don't know how, here are some ideas:

* Check with your local government authority to see if there are curbside recycling programs in place. If your government doesn't have them, perhaps your trash handlers do. In many communities there are special, designated days for recycling of certain items. There's not even a need to take the recyclables to a special collection site - it comes to you instead.

* If there is a recycling program in place, find out its rules and regulations. Depending on location, some items may be accepted and others may not. There may even be special bags or bins necessary to make sure the pick up program can easily identify what's meant to be recycled and what's meant for the landfill.

* If you don't have a recycling program, check with a recycling company. These do exist and they handle everything from cardboard to aluminum and copper and more.

In general, the following items are accepted by recycling programs. Keep in mind though some of these items can net you cash if you turn them into a company rather than put them through a curbside service. In some cases, a lot of money.

* Glass. Many types of glass can be recycled. This will oftentimes have to be rinsed out. Check with your local program for information on types accepted and prep steps necessary.

* Aluminum. This is one that can net you money. Check for local regulations on its recycling, but keep in mind if you go through a lot of cans, you could be throwing money away if you don't recycle, not to mention wasting landfill space.

* Copper wires. Electricians often come into contact with this. When stripped of its covering, this can net some serious cash at a recycling place.

* Newspapers. These are great for recycling. There's no need to throw them away. Newspapers can be worth money for those who recycling them, too. In fact, many youth organizations do newspaper drives to make themselves some extra cash. Rather than selling a product, they collect your junk for their fundraising.

Making a difference for our planet truly begins one person at a time. Recycling is an easy way to get active and have an impact.