Ben says he wants to help make the world a cleaner place, and thinks that the best way to do this is to recycle. So every day after school, and on weekends, Ben hops on his bike and rides through his neighborhood in search of cans and bottles.

“I think a lot about how I can help the planet,” says Ben, a fifth-grade student at the Cape Ann Waldorf School in Beverly, Boston.

Recycle Boy

Most kids Ben’s age are content wasting time in front of the TV, not Ben. He doesn’t watch TV, or use the Internet. Ben has grown up watching his parents recycle bottles. That’s how he grew more curious about the process.

A year ago, Ben began his daily four street route and soon found neighbors who were eager to contribute their recyclables to his efforts. Many now leave their empties in their backyard so he doesn’t have to make tons of trips each week and fill up his house with what he calls “jackpots.” By the end of a good week he has collected hundreds of bottles and cans. Ben says another benefit of recycling is the 5 cents he redeems from each can and bottle. His biggest purchase thus far has been a yellow wagon he uses to wheel his cans and bottles down to Beverly Bottle & Can Return redemption center.

What a great contribution Ben is making to our planet. I give him props for being such a great green advocate. We can all learn a lesson here from Ben, that every little bit helps and being environmentally responsible does not age discriminate.

Way to go Ben. Keep of the great work!