California takes recycling seriously. This was a huge culture shock when we moved. It is a good thing that the culture here takes recycling so serious, but took some getting use too. Heaven forbid you put a napkin in the wrong trash bin around here. "Don't you realize what you have done! That napkin takes 6 weeks to decompose! If we recycle it we can have it back by the end of the week!" This is a typical response from some blonde haired, flip flop wearing, sunglass sporting hippie. It's amazing how they seem to pop out of nowhere to discuss going green like they are a Trash Fairy-God-Mother. I usually back away slowly, apologize and think to myself "Shouldn't he be at work? How can they just guard the trash can all day?"

Deciding to embrace the recycling mentality we started sorting our paper products and I decided to keep all our aluminum and glass. There is a recycling center next to our local supermarket that will pay you to bring your recyclables. Boom. Make money? Enjoy adult beverages? Go green? This is probably the best thing I could do for the environment. Mother nature would be proud.

"You say alcoholism. I say go green." - A Wise Man.

It takes us about 5-6 months to get a decent amount of aluminum and glass worth taking down to the recycle center. The only thing is a majority of our recyclables are beer and wine containers. This makes me look like a raging alcoholic every time I go. When the local transients who spend their time dumpster diving and yelling at beach seagulls start shooting me looks I know I have done a good job. "Son, do you need help." one of them asked me once with genuine concern and I responded with "Gee, I don't know." Adding a long pause for effect "Yeah, I guess I could." Another Pause, "Grab an end! This stuff is heavy!"

Always remember recycling is good. And recycling, drinking and getting paid is even better.

Did you know it takes a year for a wool sock to decompose? What does that even mean? Who's throwing out a wool sock?