Some New Years resolutions last longer than others. Most of the really tough ones like, “I’m going to quit smoking,” or “I’m going to start working out,” have already been forgotten. Fear not; it’s never too late to do something positive. Changing the world for the better is as simple as starting a recycling program in your home.

The benefits of recycling are numerous. Recycling not only reduces the amount of space wasted by garbage in landfills but helps conserve natural resources. Precious and increasingly expensive energy assets are also saved by recycling. Manufacturing goods made from recycled materials helps to limit air and water pollution. What’s more, processing recycled goods creates more jobs than just tossing trash into landfills.

Don’t know where to begin? It’s as simple as finding a good-sized box. Liquor stores typically have a surplus of boxes that are just the right size for storing recyclables. Next, decide which types of trash you want to recycle. The most common choices are paper, cardboard, plastic and, depending on your drinking habits, aluminum or glass. Break down cardboard, rinse out bottles or cans and keep your trash sorted for easy disposal.

There are many ways to discard your recyclables in the ’Boro:

? People for a Better Tomorrow, a curb-side recycling service, picks up recycling once a week for a small fee. Check out their Web site at pbtrecycle.com or give them a call at 977-6404.

If you prefer a DIY approach there are a number of recycling centers in Murfreesboro:

? MTSU accepts plastic, paper, aluminum and cardboard at the center on Greenland Drive near the Agricultural building parking lot.

? Sam’s Club on Old Fort Parkway takes plastic, paper, cardboard, steel, aluminum and even glass.

? The city of Murfreesboro also operates a number of recycling centers scattered throughout town including the recently revamped hub at 648 Main Street next to the Room at the Inn Mission (a great place to recycle gently used clothes).

So even if you didn’t kick that ice cream addiction this year there’s still time for positive action. Devise a recycling program for your household to help protect the environment, diffuse the energy crisis, create jobs and make the ’Boro a cleaner, greener place to live.

For more information on when, where and what you can recycle at the different convenience centers, visit

recyclerutherford.org.