Remember when bringing your own bags to the grocery store got you funny looks and raised eyebrows? Not anymore. Now, if you don't bring your own bags, those looks brand you as a pariah--someone who probably doesn't recycle their aluminum cans, either. Since April 22 is the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, I’ve gathered together a few books with a recycling theme. Enjoy!

In her book, Going Green, Laura Pritchett has collected "true tales of gleaners, scavengers and dumpster divers" from across the country. No longer merely the purview of the down-and-out, reusing the castoff goods of our society is now considered good for the planet and trés chic as well. It's a fun collection of essays that celebrates the non-consumer lifestyle.

If, like me, you were raised by Depression-era parents you know that not so long ago, "reduce, reuse and recycle" was standard household practice. And, if, like me, you still believe that aphorism, "the dumpster will provide," you'll enjoy John Hoffman's, The Art and Science of Dumpster Diving. Originally published in 1993, this comic-style book is considered a cult classic. It’s funny, irreverent and educational.

The Scavengers' Manifesto by Anneli Rufus and Kristan Lawson is not just a manifesto-it's part memoir and guidebook as well. The authors take a larger view of scavenging to include clipping coupons, garage sales, and thrift shopping—basically doing anything that’s legal to avoid paying full price. Or better yet—to pay nothing at all. It's a light-hearted and fun-to-read book.

Speaking of recycling, I've mentioned Ted Botha's book, Mongo: Adventures in Trash, before. But, it's such a great read, it's worth another mention. Mongo is a slang word for "any discarded object that is retrieved," and Botha explores the fascinating lives of those doing the retrieving, whether they're retrieving pop cans or first editions.

If after all this reading, you've decided to take the plunge and try a little scavenging or dumpster diving, you may be wondering what you're going to do with all that stuff. If you're artistically inclined you can convert some of that stuff into "art books" with the help of Terry Taylor's Eco Books. Or peruse the artistic offerings in 1000 Ideas for Creative Reuse by Garth Johnson. You'll never look at empty egg cartons or used coffee filter the same way again!

For a more serious look at the world of waste, Annie Leonard's new book, The Story of Stuff, is a good place to start. Based on her popular 20-minute film by the same title (it can be viewed for free at storyofstuff.com), it's a fascinating look at stuff—"where it comes from and where it goes when we throw it away."

And, lest we forget that April is also National Poetry Month, check out A.R. Ammon's book, Garbage: A Poem. This book-length poem is not really about garbage, per se, but he uses garbage as a jumping off point to examine "the junk that permeates not only our world but also our minds, hearts, and consciences."

For more reading suggestions, talk with your local librarian. Remember, borrowing books from your public library is the ultimate in green living.