Recycling

It pays in California. Kade has been dutifully collecting and sorting glass bottles and cans. I am already a conscientious curbside recycler,so the sorting is just one more step. Kade has even collected additional bottles from our friends in the neighborhood to increase his profits.

We made our first trip to the Nexcycle station at nearby CostCo. As we tried to figure out the process, we discovered that aluminum pays the best per pound. Of course, as he read the sign, he turned to me, "Mom they pay for plastic too, and we have lots of that!"

Kade was apprehensive as we waited for our payout. I handed him $6.30. He grinned from ear to ear in relief. He was worried he wouldn't even score a couple dollars (not realizing the weight of glass).

He has carefully and meticulously sorted his recyclables for a couple weeks; however, he will be able to go weekly now that he has figured out the process.

After we returned home, he began re-designing his system to collect plastic. He is separating the types of plastic by bag, as the payout is different for each.

A little later, Kade told me he needs a wallet for his money. He wants to save it for an iTouch.

This project is teaching Kade so much. Foremost, it is increasing his awareness of garbage and the impact of what we buy on the environment (he already prefers aluminum). Secondly, it is teaching him good business practices as he learns to maximize his returns. Thirdly, I hope it will teach him how to be patient and save for something special.