Prosperous economies produce waste. Throw in rampant consumerism and a laissez-faire attitude toward the environment, and you've got the makings of a serious problem. Welcome to Japan. A host of treasures awaits you . . .

Though the economic high times are officially over, we're still spending, are less ecologically concerned than we should be, and have got a lot to account for. One of the figures that isn't balancing out is the cost of managing our ever-growing trash heap.

With the nation struggling under mountains of garbage, the government recently passed a law forcing consumers to shoulder part of the cost of recycling bulky household appliances. Where once the municipal office would dispose of air conditioners, TVs, washing machines and refrigerators at minimal cost, one must now pay an often hefty fee to have retailers cart them away.