Since 1997, people across the country have come together on November 15 to celebrate America Recycles Day. This is the only nationally recognized day dedicated to the promotion of recycling — a day to educate and motivate our neighbors, friends and community leaders about what can be achieved when we all work together. Here’s how to get involved if you live in the Chicagoland area:

2011 Oak Lawn Neighborhood recycling competition

In the spirit of the 2011 Keep America Beautiful and America Recycles Day celebrations and activities, the Oak Lawn Green Team will be hosting the second neighborhood recycling competition for the Village of Oak Lawn. One family/household in each district will be recognized for exceptional recycling efforts during the month of November. Winners from each district, six families in all, will be announced at the December 6, 2011 Board of Trustees meeting. Location: Community Wide, 9446 Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn, IL 60453 Dates: throughout November 2011 Contact: Heather Green, Oak Lawn Green Team

Sustainable solutions with IKEA products

A display of products made from recycled materials will be on display in the front entrance of the Schaumburg IKEA store. Banners will be hung throughout the store showcasing sustainable solutions. Customers are invited to return all IKEA packaging for free recycling. Location: IKEA Schaumburg, 1800 McConnor Pkwy., Schaumburg, IL 60173 Date: Sunday, November 13 through Saturday, November 19, 2011 Time: during normal store hours Contact: Tiaa Hansson Tuntland, IKEA Schaumburg

Congress Park Recycles

On America Recycles Day, Congress Park School classes will take a recycling pledge and work to be more conscience recyclers every day. Location: Congress Park School, 9311 Shields Ave., Brookfield, IL 60513 Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Time: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Contact: Colleen Hier, Congress Park Ecology Club

Lunch n’ learn

An educational lunch n’ learn, meet and greet in regard to the Blue Cross Blue Shield building’s current recycling efforts, as well as an electronics waste drive. Location: Blue Cross Blue Shield, 300 E. Randolph St., Chicago 60601 Date: Tuesday, November 15, 2011 Time: noon to 3 p.m. Contact: Meghann Maves, Recycling Services Inc.

Trashy Fashion Show

In recognition of America Recycles Day, Solid Waste Agency of Northern Cook County (SWANCC) will present its fifth Trashy Fashion Show, a community-based project that features outfits and accessories made from materials that would normally be thrown away or can be recycled. More than 30 designers will showcase their one-of-a-kind pieces of wearable art. Each piece imparts a message to the audience about conserving resources and being better stewards of the environment by practicing the Three Rs (reduce, reuse and recycle). Location: Holiday Inn Chicago North Shore, 5300 Touhy Ave., Skokie, IL 60077 Date: Thursday, November 17, 2011 Time: 7 to 8 p.m. Contact: Mary Allen, SWANCC There is no cost to attend, but space is limited and reservations are requested. For more information on these and other events in the Chicagoland area, visit AmericaRecyclesDay.org. Stay tuned to 1-800-RECYCLING on Twitter and Facebook for much more on America Recycles Day events.