If you are into product design and care about the environment read Cradle to Cradle. If you think re-cycling is good, you better check this book out for sure. And the answer will likely be much different then you think. This has been a truely eye opening book for me. Highly recommended and inspirational. [Wikipedia link] 
Cradle to Cradle / Remaking the way we make thing – By William McDonough & Michael Braungart.