This post is about taking action and showing proof to motivate others.
No drama. No BS. No wasting time bickering over trivial elements of Steem and/or Steemians. No snark or sarcasm. No self-interest.
It's plain and simple... this is all about results so people can get ideas and inspiration.
I'm barely motivated to post these days, but I do feel a sense of responsibility to keep my pro-recycling spirit alive on Steem until it catches on. So many people think recycling means throwing things out in the right bin... and that's so unfortunate.
With Steem thinning out these days, perhaps now is a good time to be productive in the real world and prioritize helping our environment.
It just takes one item to start, and to see how easy and rewarding it is.
These are all recent sales of items I recycled/salvaged from the curb recycling in my neighborhood.
I take about 3 walks around each week (4 at most) for about 60-90 minutes each.
I also recycle an endless amount of shipping materials as a bonus.
It's so easy a caveman could do it, but I'm literally just about the only person in the area who cares enough to reduce the waste outside of cans and bottles. Everyone else simply walks by and expects the magical trucks to come and make it disappear.
It's sad, but also exciting. There's endless opportunity for me, and I make good money from it.
You can too with some simple genuine effort.
The Finds:
This YoYo+ stroller was found collapsed in a clear plastic bag.
I sold it for $220 cash, one day after listing it to someone who felt they got a great deal.
This Nuna stroller was found across the street from my apartment.
I sold it for $95 cash.
This YoYo+ stroller ride on board was found in a clear bag on the curb with a second one by UPPAbaby. It was like new so I listed this generic pic on Craigslist to save time.
I sold it for $80 cash to a guy who couldn't believe someone threw it out.
This MacLaren stroller was found a few blocks from my apartment on the curb.
After a little hand-washing, I sold it for $75 cash.
This functional printer was just found loose on top of a pile of bags with 60% toner left.
I sold it online for $125.
These CFA books were found on top of a recycling bin.
I sold them online for $80 with cheap media mail shipping.
This lock making kit was found in a clear plastic bag along with some other electronics.
*I sold it online for $300. I could've sold it for $400 if I waited longer.
These books were found in the same pile as the others above.
I sold them online for $80 with cheap media mail shipping.
This luxury coffee maker was found loose on top of pile of clear plastic bags near my apartment. It worked, but was missing pieces.
I sold it for parts/repair online for $120.
This amplifier was found on a weekend at the corner of a busy intersection.
I sold it untested online for $163 with local pickup to avoid shipping costs. He was smart as I had overcharged on shipping at $60 thinking that I'd profit on that, so his local pickup request bit me in the ass a little.
I found this old disk drive in a clear plastic bag filled with office telephones.
I sold it untested online for $80 within half a day.
I took this main board out of a TV that had a cracked screen.
I sold it online for $60.
I found a high-end power conditioner with its power cable cut, but broke it out into parts.
I sold several other components in the past, but this set below sold online for $60 for parts/repair.
This sealed copy of The Divine Comedy from 1983 was found with a whole bunch just like it in clear plastic bags on the curb a few blocks away.
I sold it online for $50 with cheap media mail shipping.
I found and took these new hair care samples... because why not?
Sold them online for $25.
This math textbook wasn't in the finest shape.
But, I still sold it online for $35.
These mint fitness DVDs were found in a clear plastic bag.
I sold them online for $28.
This power & main board, plus printhead were taken from a working printer that had no ink.
I sold this online for parts/repair for $40.
And the printhead online for parts/repair for $43.
Another printhead sold untested online for $31...
What kind of recycling post would it be if I didn't have a vacuum part in it?
This hose was sold for $38.
I could post endless vacuum parts, but I'll spare you after a few more...
This hose was sold for $40.
This motor base was sold for $57.
This power nozzle was sold for $40.
This pedal and switch set was sold for parts/repair for $30.
I could go on and on, but this drives enough of the point home.
I brought in ~$2,000 by having fun and at absolutely no cost outside of some nice evening walks where I practice singing.
Revenue is before shipping and fees when not dealing in cash.
Think about how many pounds of plastic, metal and paper I saved with simple effort. Tack on all of the shipping materials I recycled as well.
It's time to wake up and help.
This is also just some of the stuff I've sold. I've also FOUND a lot more than this that's in the process of being listed/sold.
Please look around your house and be aware when cruising through your neighborhoods. There is often money to be made all around IF and WHEN you choose to start paying attention. Find some motivation and make it happen. We have enough people around here gaming Steem for pennies that I hope people realize the potential here and refocus on what's far more important for our planet.
As always, I'm always here and happy to help anyone who can use any guidance on getting started or pricing things.
...After 2 baseball games on Sunday (pitched 6 innings for a dominant win, allowing 4 hits and 1 earned run with 6 strikeouts and no walks), and another catching behind the plate tonight, it's time to go out and find some more...
