Gathering cardboard from area businesses, whether I am alone or have a Keep Alliance Beautiful crewmember riding shotgun, tends to be a hit and run affair. Quickly pitch intact and flattened boxes to empty the totes. A little off the top at first, then pull the container over at an angle to snag the rest. Repeat until the pickup is full then head to the barn. Simple enough.
Except we are constantly reminded it is not just about us. FedEx, UPS or that store’s truck may be unloading. So we move on. We cannot access our containers at certain locations a couple hours either side of noon. Note to self: get there first thing. Wind presents more of a challenge in the open areas on the west side of Alliance. Choose a time when gale is absent to deal with a seemingly constant breeze this time of year. Staffing and other demands at the recycling center greatly affect efficiency.
While our white KAB pickups, both well-worn Ford F250 Superduties, stop by unnoticed more often than not, I cannot recall the last negative experience while visiting with a business owner or employee. A week ago, ladies came out to help load their cardboard at two adjacent stops. This week a gentleman saw Antoine and I topping off our large flatbed trailer and asked if we had room for more. Of course we did. He hefted a pair of boxes packed with broken down boxes, which helped keep a couple spots not covered with pallets from blowing away.
However, the most memorable occasion recently came from a preschooler (I assume). Her family owns and operates a multifaceted enterprise I visit every other week. The first time, she helped her mom bring cardboard over to the trailer from their home. It was fun to visit a little and share a bit about the service KAB provides. I was still working at the newspaper when my daughter was that age.
The next time I arrived at their place after leaving town later than I had hoped. I typically run this route on Thursday, but went on Friday after catching a few calls from businesses. A number of cars surrounded the building as I pulled in and hoped to be in and out to not inconvenience customers coming and going. Instead, the door opened and a couple ladies came out to add a few bags for me along with cardboard in the bin. The little girl was there leading the cutest welcome wagon – a younger boy and an even smaller girl (still in diapers). I complimented her sparkly shoes, “princess shoes” she replied, and gladly accepted a hand from all three kids. As I pulled the tote over (which contained Pumpkin, an orange tabby enjoying a snuggly spot) they shuttled the contents a piece of cardboard at a time and I arranged the cargo. The pint-sized volunteers made my day.
My memories stretch back to about three-and-a-half years old before my family moved from Missouri Avenue to the country. There is no file that sticks with me before kindergarten of an adult I met in the course of doing his or her daily job. Maybe such an occasion could have positively influenced my opinion on that profession and fueled a desire to learn more. Children love to help, which can be a great teaching tool for parents. I hope households that value the environment involve their children in recycling, composting and other practices. There will be benefits for the next generation when we see the future of the planet through the eyes of a child.