Far away in the land of the one and only Recycling Company, a little angel nibbled away at some fairy cakes that her great, great Grand Papa had made for her afternoon tea. Meanwhile, a volunteer was busy picking up paper and rubbish as today was “Clean Up The World Day”! The little angel heard the news about it, but could not be bothered in helping.

A short while later, a group of elders walked past with some bags and thick rubber gloves and asked the little angel why she wasn't helping. The elders told her that this day only comes once a year, and if we don't help now the little angel’s children and their children will be waist high in rubbish. So, from that day on, the little angel helped and participated in “Clean Up The World Day”. Not only did she do it once a year, but also she picked up paper and rubbish all year.

By Siena – 12 – Australia The birds sang in the trees as I whistled a tune under my breath. I was headed for the park to play baseball. I had almost reached the ball diamond when I dropped my glove. When I turned around to pick it up I found that I was face to face with a man who had reached down to pick up my glove for me. I was so surprised that I fell down backwards and landed hard on my rump. I am very talkative, so naturally I started to talk.

“I am sorry sir, but you scared me so...so much,” I said. “Pardon me, but I am afraid I have never made your acquaintance, my name is Billy.”

The man must have been rather surprised too, because the whole entire time that I was talking, he just stared at me. But as I finished talking he sat back on his heels, roaring like a lion. He dropped my glove and I picked it up. I was rather concerned for him because it looked like he was having difficulty breathing through his laughter. After quite awhile, he sat up suddenly very serious. He squinted in the sun and then cracked a wide smile. “Nice to meet you Billy,” He said then he grinned, standing up dusting off his pants.

I had turned to go, but he called me back. Squinting in the sun again, he said, “You are a fine one for talking...” he said turning away. “I bet you'd be able to talk about anyone into recycling.”

As I pondered his suggestion, I saw him suddenly wheel and run off after a piece of paper that was flying around. He came back with it and handed it to me.

“You see this paper young man?” he asked gravely. “This here paper was made out of a tree. The trees are in danger.

I stood quietly, for I was wondering if this man was maybe a bit crazy, he changed his mood so suddenly.

“You come to the Recycling Company in town tomorrow,” he said. “We will make you into a volunteer.” He started to walk away.

“Wait a just a minute,” I called after him. “I never volunteered!”

He turned to grin at me. “Oh, you will, you will,” he said and then walked away.

“Crazy man,” I said to myself, but then I thought about all the trees being cut down, then I thought about me going from door to door fast-talking people into recycling. “I just might go to the Recycling Company tomorrow,” I thought to myself. Then I grinned. I was beginning to like this idea.

By Hanna – 13 – USA