Collective guilt and my own overactive conscience eventually led me to a life of recycling. If I were a tad more motivated, and wanted to do something both fun and environmentally conscious, I'd take my recycling habit a step further by entering the 2006 Recycle Regatta. The event takes place every April during the Regata del Sol al Sol, an annual sailing race from St. Petersburg to Isla Mujeres, Mexico. In preparation for the Recycle Regatta, crews of one to six people construct unique, homemade boats from 70-percent recycled materials and christen them with names like "Refuse Raft," "The Neverland" and "Trash Heap." Crews are divided up by age groups and each of these groups "sail" against their peers over a 50-yard course located off North Shore Beach. There are no prizes, save pride and bragging rights, but regardless, the regatta is a great way to show participants and spectators alike how everyday items can be used in unique ways. Sat., April 22, 10 a.m.-3:30 p.m., North Shore Drive from Ninth to 16th avenues N.E., St. Petersburg, free and open to the public, 727-464-3896.
