I typically use this column to write about the exciting developments brought about through the Create Huntington Chat 'n' Chews. I do this because it's important that we all understand the good works of our friends and neighbors, and so that we fully appreciate the impact individuals can have when they work together.

Over the past year, I've been honored to tell you about the opening of a new gallery, the Create West Virginia conference, countless beautification projects, community gardening, arts programs, sports programs, walking trails, economic development efforts and much more.

That is the not case this week. This week, I'm asking for your help.

We've had some very good, very committed people working on a difficult project for a year. They've made great progress and achieved much, but need some new volunteers to get it done. Interestingly, the project about which I'm writing is one of the hottest topics at any Chat 'n' Chew. It's one that interests almost every person who relocates to the area. Unfortunately, it's also one that presents several difficult challenges.

The project: Recycling. Virtually everyone who moves to our community and almost everyone who's ever attended a Chat 'n' Chew has asked the question, "Why don't we recycle?" It's very common elsewhere in the country and the world. Some communities offer single-stream, curbside recycling; others provide collection spots where people can deposit their recyclables; and some, like ours offer it on a fee-for-service basis. Communities smaller than us do it. Communities larger than us do it. Rural communities do it. Urban communities do it. They believe in the economic and social value of recycling and have committed to greening up their towns.

Recycle Huntington, the all-volunteer team that formed through the Chat 'n' Chews last November, has made great strides. They have researched a variety of solutions, met with government officials, possible partners and vendors and created material to inform residents about how, where and what we can recycle now.

Their vision is to make it convenient for people anywhere in Huntington to recycle commonly recyclable products. However, they need your help to see this through. After much effort, they've found an approach that could make it more convenient for us to recycle, one that addresses the fundamental needs without the expense and complications of single-stream, curbside recycling -- a good step in the right direction. If you're interested in recycling and open-minded to new solutions, they need your help to find a way over some final hurdles.

To get involved in Recycle Huntington, or any of the other Create Huntington projects, join your friends and neighbors at the Create Huntington Chat 'n' Chew from 5:30 to 7 p.m. every Thursday in the lobby of the Frederick Building. It is free and open to the public. For more information, go to www.createhuntington.com. If you'd like to get involved with the any of the projects but can't attend the Chat 'n' Chews, simply provide your contact information, comments and area of interest at www.createhuntington.com/contact.php.

Thomas McChesney is a Huntington resident.

National Video