Kids from all over Westchester played their part in improving the environment by collecting an astounding 421 pounds of plastic bags in a novel first-time effort at Playland amusement park. Children from dozens of local schools came out for “Plastic Bag Day” on June 28. Kids who brought in 100 or more used plastic bags received free rides as their reward.

The day is just one of a number of steps Westchester County is taking to encourage youngsters to recycle and clean up their environment. The results have now been weighed and counted and the 39,995 plastic bags collected will eventually be sent to the county’s recycling center, and made into products such as outdoor decks and fencing.

This is just one of many proactive measures we in Westchester County can take -- as a government, as individuals and as businesses -- to keep the environment clean and healthy, whether dealing with recycling, flooding or global warming.

Beyond recycling metal, glass, pastic and paper at the curb, recycling events such as Household Recycling Days are held throughout the county year round, where residents can bring other recyclable items, such as plastic bags and expired medications. With paper, residents are encouraged to go one step further and shred it. Westchester's mobile shredder truck is available to residents at many of the recycling events. And, shredding works twofold -- it condenses the physical amount being recycled and it protects against identity theft.

Plus, you can donate your old computers and cell phones, adopt a park, or volunteer to help restore our aquatic  attractions.  or go on a digital Treasure Hunt to get or give away used but usable items.

To protect our local environment and surroundings of natural beauty, we're always looking for your suggestions of open space locations.