Beach bins collect bottle and can returns and clean up for a cause!

This weekend while I was at Eastham Beach on Cape Cod I saw this bin by the boardwalk.  I couldn't help but think how many beaches and parks could use such bins to help locals and non profits cash in.

In Massachusetts we have a bottle and can return at 5 cents each.  Many people can't be bothered taking the extra effort to bring the returns to the store and often just put it them their recycle bin at home or trash them entirely.

Just this morning, in front of my home, I saw a local dumpster diver equipped with empty bags, gloves and thongs setting out to dive into the curbside recycle bins in my neighborhood.  A few minutes later she passed by again with three full bags.  This shows you how many people can't be bothered with returns even though they pay a deposit.

If people are this apathetic at home about returns, you can imagine what they are like at the beaches and parks.

So, when I saw this bin at the beach I was amazed at such a simple idea! Imagine local beautification groups,  neighborhood associations and non profits cashing in on the deposits one can at a time!

Kudos to Eastham, MA for a simple solution that makes your world cleaner, greener and more colorful all around.  

Together, We CAN (and bottle) Do Better!

If your neighborhood doesn't have a recycle bin at the local park or beach, why not follow suit. Turn trash into cash for flowers or other important causes.

Sign reads: 5 cents redeemable cans and bottles - funds purchase flowers for Eastham Forum Flower Islands