After depositing our glass, metal, paper, and other recyclables, Marc and I "shop" at the Red Hook Recycling Center's Goods Exchange, where people are welcome to drop off still usable books, magazines, clothes, small household items, appliances, and furniture. Everything is free and up for grabs on a first come/first served basis. No one expects any financial gain, and it's understood that what's taken from the Center will not be sold. In other words, dealers are not welcome -- just neighbors.

Spearheaded by Ruth Oja and others on the Town Board's Conservation Advisory Council, Red Hook makes it easy for those of us who choose to re-use whenever possible to find second-hand goods. Now every week, dozens of townspeople get to know each other better, set good examples for their children, keep their taxes down, do their bit to save the planet -- and have a good time, too. Whatta bargain! Shouldn't every town do the same?

Neighbor to Neighbor

While Marc and I are big fans of the Salvation Army, Goodwill, and other thrift stores, there's something incredibly special about items we bring home from the Recycling Center. Sure, the free price can't be beat, but it's more than that. There's a person-to-person connection -- between all the people in town who think it makes sense to pass on to a neighbor what's no longer of use to them.

The Recycling Center's become a great environment for thoughtful, generous, down-right neighborly interactions. Many are of the "random acts of kindness" variety, as in I don't know who dropped off the adorable dresses that will fit one or another of our two granddaughters, both of whom will only wear dresses these days -- but I sure appreciate 'em!!!

Similarly, on the very day our ancient dishwasher bit the dust, one just so happened to be there waiting when Marc got to Recycling. It looked as though it had barely been used! Marc had the thing installed in our kitchen that night.

Now consider the day that a guy drove up, hoping he could drop off a beautiful armchair. He really didn't want to see it trashed, but his sister was getting married and didn't want it any more. He was thrilled that we were in the market for just such a chair -- and that he didn't have to pay to dump it into the already overflowing landfill. Smiles all around. (Remember, whether you pay at the transfer station or in your tax bill, you still pay for trash removal!)

Here's another example from just the other day, when I came upon a very nice all-cotton green vest. (I usually spend an hour or so treasure hunting through the clothes that have been dropped off since my last visit. With more than a dozen of our nearest and dearest friends and relations in mind, I'm bound to find something for someone, usually lots of things for lots of people.) As I was holding the vest up, wondering who it might fit, in walked Lisa, with her husband, Brian, and baby, Logan. The vest was perfect for Lisa -- especially when I dug a little deeper and found the matching dress -- both seemingly brand new!

Lisa had stopped by at Recycling to pick up a "new" batch of children's books to bring in to entertain the children of her clients, people living with AIDS/HIV. Having just returned to work after maternity leave, Lisa wouldn't have bought a new outfit. Having one handed to her was a special treat Lisa wouldn't have otherwise had.

Maybe finding a good home for a dress and vest doesn't seem like much, but it made us both feel great! And as I often do, I wondered how many other people were feeling so warm and fuzzy about their neighbors that Saturday morning.

Where Would We Be Without You?!

While she'd probably deny it, and may be embarrassed when she reads this, we don't believe that Red Hook would have its wonderful Recycling Center without Ruth Oja. She's been working on the recycling issue for over twenty years, and has found ways, again and again, for more and more of us to benefit from recycling everything we possibly can.

We dedicate this issue to Ruth, with great admiration for her unique vision and her ability to stick with the cause. May Ruth and Red Hook inspire you to create a Goods Exchange near where you live. (For advice on how to proceed, you can call Ruth at 845-758-4167.)

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