"I think most people do want to recycle, but if it's not made easy, it doesn't happen, " Keller says.

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It's one way to recycle those used but perfectly good pieces of foil you hate to throw out.

CNN: New uses for Thanksgiving items

But what's novel about the CEAC design is that it incorporates a bio-regenerative life-support system -- the kind of technology that could one day not only feed an outpost on the moon or Mars, but also provide it with oxygen and recycle its water.

CNN: To boldly grow where no one has grown before

Best Buy will recycle and resell the returned devices but has no plans to stock them in its stores, added Dunn.

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"Residents choose to what extent they recycle, if at all, but they have embraced it as rates have shot up from 27% to 50%, " he said.

BBC: 'People are being given too many recycling bins'

But after a day of being urged to recycle, turn off lights and trade in our cars for bikes, the question that everybody is asking is will it make a difference?

BBC: Snoop Dogg

Perhaps you recycle your cardboard and Coke cans, but if you're looking for a bit of inspiration from master design-recyclers check out this pendant lamp made from hundreds of soda tabs, this Cone Light made from repurposed traffic cones, and this chandelier composed almost entirely of six-pack rings.

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Certainly everyone wants to recycle waste, and protect the environment, but we are limited by the lack of a viable systematic approach.

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Previous attempts to get people to recycle more have not met with much success, but some councils have been trying new things.

ECONOMIST: How China is encouraging the British to recycle their waste

Called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), this legislation would essentially set requirements for companies to collect and recycle a certain percentage of the packaging waste they generate, but would leave how they go about doing it up to the companies themselves.

FORBES: How Corporate America Might Just Save Recycling

Consider this: the ability to recycle paper, soda cans and more was possible 15 years ago, but almost none of us were doing it.

FORBES: Future Brand Superstars Will Align Consumer Values With Household Budgets

But, if Suzy Amis Cameron wears any Harry Winston jewels, she might not want to recycle them.

NPR: Red Carpet Awaits The Star In The 'Eco-Dress'

But the hotel creates a peaceful environment inside with three design schemes from the ever-inventive Campana brothers, who recycle cast-offs and found objects into works of art.

BBC: Openings: London, Marrakech, Athens, Rovinj, Los Angeles