i often wonder about the people that walk around the streets of Greensboro, day after day, collecting aluminum cans out of people's garbage and recycling cans.  i know it's a way to make money from other people's trash.  But, i wonder why do they do it?  Is it out of such serious need?  Or just an easier way to bring in an income of some sorts?  i am by no means looking down on anyone who does this.  After all, we all have to earn a living in one way or another.

i do want to know, though, what their story is.  What made them want or need to do this?  i somehow doubt that in most cases it is a concern about the environment that is pushing them to collect cans for recycling.  i'm not saying that can never be the case, but some how i doubt it for most of them.  And don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing wrong, i think, with people rifling through garbage and recycling cans that are out on the curb.  If there's something in there to help them make a little money...have at it!

The thing that brought this up for me is there is a gentleman who comes around the neighborhood a few times a month looking for cans.  Less so when it is cold and the weather is unpredictable.  But, when it is warmer, i see him all of the time.  He usually has a friend with him and they go from recycling can to recycling can looking for cans to collect.  They are very respectful of people's property.  They do not go through any cans that aren't out on the curb and when they take things out of the recycling cans to dig down deep, they always put them back once they are finished looking.

Anyway, one day when i saw them i noticed that one of the gentlemen looked familiar.  Just something about him rang a bell in my head.  We never spoke, but i did recognize something about him.  After he had been gone a few hours, it dawned on me where i knew him from.  Way back in the day, i use to go to a bar in downtown Greensboro called The Palms and he was a frequent patron there.  In fact, from what i remember seeing and hearing, he was there pretty much every night.  i know that at the time he had a job.  And now i have to wonder if he still does or if collecting cans for recycling is his only way of making money.  One must wonder the circumstances that might take someone on this path through life.  It is not to judge lest we be judged ourselves.

Oh well, just something that popped into my head.  And now, i do have to get my trash and recycling bins out to the curb for pick up in the morning.

Cheers