I just spent eight days in Colorado. I traveled from the New Mexico border to Boulder and it was clear to me that many people who live in Colorado love the outdoors. They routinely bike, hike, fish and go camping. It is beautiful in Colorado and those who live there want to enjoy it and protect it. They feel they have a stake in maintaining their high quality of life.

No matter where they live, when people work together to clean the environment, they become ecological "stakeholders." The goal of living pollution free becomes more relevant to those who have demonstrated a personal commitment to safeguard our rivers, streams, and outdoor environs.

So, how can we provide as many people as possible with an opportunity to become stakeholders? One way is by instituting community cleanup programs. They are already found nationwide, but so much more work remains to be done.

Environmental cleanup days are terrific community events aimed at mobilizing volunteers for worthwhile local projects. Usually, local community groups sponsor these activities. There is no shortage of the kinds of projects that can be tackled, and people generally find the experience of actually "doing something" that will better their local environment to be rewarding.

Why not participate in such a project yourself. Better, yet, make it a family weekend adventure. Quality family time is at a real premium these days (I don't have to tell you that!) This is a great kind of way to spend good time together.

This is the time of year when many environmental groups solicit volunteers, so watch the local press. Or, contact your nearest wetlands preservation group, Sierra Club chapter, or similar organization.

When people get out of the house and actually clean a littered lot, or clear an abandoned patch of farmland, or rehabilitate a diseased wetlands patch, they take a personal interest in their project, and hopefully the environment in general. And children can incorporate these green views as part of the fabric of their lives.

I thought Texas did everything in a big way. But, when it comes to local environmental projects, Tennessee beats everyone. On June 9, 2001, the State and local governments, along with private sponsors, hosted a statewide Stream Cleanup Day. This is the third time they have done this in Tennessee and it really is a great state program.

Tennessee is known for its beautiful lakes, rivers and streams. Thousands of people visit its waterways each day to fish, boat, picnic or just explore the state's streams and rivers. Unfortunately, these beautiful waters are also a haven for accumulating runoff and garbage. And on June 9, people from all over the State did some spring, stream cleaning. Four State Parks joined eight Environmental Assistance Centers to host this event. Residents were encouraged to help out at the project that was closest to them. Coca-Cola and other companies also sponsored the statewide event.

Consider becoming involved in your local environmental cleanup project. And if you cannot find one, maybe you need to be the person to start the ball rolling in your community. There is always an empty lot or dirty stream that can use some extra loving.

There is no end to the kinds of projects that a community might take on. You can clear out some wetlands, clean some abandoned city lots, rescue a stream or lake, conduct some small scale environmental experiments (such as creating smog or simulating a Superfund cleanup), you can build barriers to combat local noise pollution; or plant trees or a community garden.

Often, local companies will contribute either materials or funding. Make sure to publicly thank them for their help. And make sure to publicize the project by contacting local newspapers, radio and television.

For more articles by Stuart Leiberman, please press here.