Does this make me a dumpster diver?
Okay, so here’s the thing: In Amsterdam, we put our garbage out in bags and boxes on the (very narrow) sidewalks for the garbage trucks to come pick up. Sometimes the garbage men come very early in the morning, in which case many people set their things out the night before. This means that when you’re walking along the tiny sidewalk, you’re generally inching around the plastic bags piled up on the walk. Some people complain about this, others use the opportunity to scope out what their neighbors are getting rid of. And sometimes take it.
So the other night Keith and I were walking through the Jordaan on our way home from our favorite Mexican restaurant. As we were navigating the garbage bags, I spied a stack of books heaped forlornly on top of an old computer monitor. Well, I for one cannot bear to see a book lying around on the sidewalk, let alone a photography book on Paris, a guide to fashion through the ages, empty envelopes decorated with foreign postage or a typography textbook. “Do you think someone’s throwing these out?” I asked Keith. “Well, unless they’re storing them on the sidewalk, yes,” he said, no doubt thinking, “Oh, Lord, now she’s going to go through someone’s garbage.”
Can you imagine someone tossing these treasures? So with the rescued books tucked under my arm and a small “Dankjewel!” to the unknown neighbor, I headed home to my tiny craft room, where I promptly put that Parijs guidebook to use on some tags I’m making for a summer article in Stamper’s Sampler. What a find!
(A side note: The next day I was walking past an office on the Herengracht to see a couple wheeling away two very funky, albeit somewhat shabby, bright green chairs just before the garbage truck drove up. Seems I’m not the only one who takes advantage of Amsterdam recycling!)
Comments (5)
Yay~! That is a fantastic find. Good for you!
When I was at my last apartment, I always made a point to checked the dumpsters and recycle areas. People frequently moved in and out and left behind things they just didn't need anymore. Once I found a great old book from the 1930's that I still use for text pages and I've also dragged home several old tables, bookcases or shelving units that are great for crafting. I don't have to worry about ruining my "good" furniture with paint, glue, burns, etc.
Also, I have an idea for a weekly webisode topic that I'd like to share with you and Paulette. I didn't see an e-mail addy on the PaperWishes site, so I thought I'd just drop you a quick note here. How about a future webisode on OVERLAYS?? I saw a whole page of terrific overlays at PaperWishes (I didn't realize you offered them) and I would love to learn more about using them. I'm sure there are lots of people out there like me who need some tips and ideas - like how to hide the adhesive, for example, and can they be embossed?
Thanks, Sarah, and happy holidays to you and yours.
~phinny
Posted by Phinny | December 18, 2008 5:35 PM
Posted on December 18, 2008 17:35
Good on you girl.
We leave out baskets with paper recyling for the bin men and I always sneek a peek to see what other people are chucking out although i would hate to get caught.
Don't forget one persons junk is another persons treausure. I think that's what they mean by recyling.
Hugs Carol
Posted by Carol | December 19, 2008 1:36 AM
Posted on December 19, 2008 01:36
Good for you - a blessing waiting to happen and you never know what you are going to turn up when you go walking about
Posted by Stella | December 22, 2008 2:09 AM
Posted on December 22, 2008 02:09
LOL I think we all do it from time to time... what's the saying... one man's trash is another man's treasure?
When I was pregnant for my son, my friend(who was pregnant at the time too) and I would drive around the really nice (richer) neighborhoods and see what was put out to the curb. We both ended up with ride on toys for our kids --- that looked like BRAND NEW!! The one house we stopped at -- the lady came outside as I was taking things out of her trash (that was kind of embarrassing at first) and we ended up talking for awhile... here her grandchildren lived 15 hours away.. and she bought toys for her house for when they did come visit... well they had since grown out of them and had hardly used them... she ended up going in her house and bringing out more stuff to my friend and I. There were even a few things still in the packages.. :)
--Now... we just moved into a new house and they previous owners left a bunch of furniture... none of which we could use we already had too much of our own... we put it out to the curb with the intention that someone who needed it would hopefully drive up and see it... and take it home with them :)
Posted by Stephanie | December 23, 2008 7:21 AM
Posted on December 23, 2008 07:21
I just wanted to send a special thanks to you for your clever lil' ditties you send our way each week. i do look forward to the webisodes and am very dedicated to paperwishes for years now. i truly love creating cards. most all of my recipients save them and pull them out from time to time. i also have soldiers in Iraq and now my own son is in boot camp, that are on my weekly cards list. They just get a kick out of the variety of ideas (especially the sara surfaces group) i always mention your help in my "clever ideas".
keep up the good work and stay true to your enthusiasm. we all are watching for new spring ideas.
much love and hugs. i do appreciate you.
kristi
Posted by kristi | January 21, 2009 5:32 AM
Posted on January 21, 2009 05:32