I live in a city that provides each home with a big blue garbage can on wheels for recycling paper, glass and plastics.  All I have to do is save them up and twice a month wheel the can out to the alley where the city can pick it up.  No sorting, no bagging, no trips to the recycling plant.  It’s easy.  And even more, the city gives me points for how well my neighborhood does at recycling.  I can redeem these points for various coupons and discounts.

My first redemption is a coupon good for $10 off my purchase at a popular pharmacy.  It has been sitting at home for several months – I’m lucky – very good health.

Last week my office set up a “Toys for Tots” box.  And in the mail I received an ad from my hair salon offering $5 off my next service if I bring a Toy for a Tot to them.  So…I will take my $10 coupon to the pharmacy and buy two toys.  Then I’ll take toys to both my office and my salon, and I’ll get $5 off my haircut!

What a win-win!  The needy kids get toys, almost for free; I get $5 off my haircut and the pleasure of giving to the needy; and the earth is improved by my neighborhood’s recycling.  That’s what I’m talking about!!!

Happy Holidays!  PS – recycle that wrapping paper!

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