Saturday, I stopped by the recycling center with piles of old cardboard to unload. A couple was hauling a crate of magazines to the bin at the same time--and what magazines they were: stack after stack of Family Circle and Good Housekeeping--from 1976 to 1980. They were happy to let me take a few home, and I've been reading them all week. So far I've clipped a great oatmeal date cookie recipe, a workout chart, and best of all, an article on crocheting. I couldn't remember the best way to loop the thread over my left hand--and there it was, a perfect illustration and written instructions.
A few years ago, I snagged a great economics textbook from the recycling bin, and even an interesting catalog. Be super careful--don't ever reach IN to the bin. It's dangerous since they 'turn and squash' it every few minutes. But if something really enticing is right there on the edge, or not even in the bin yet--well, you know how we Baristavillians love to read. How about you--have you ever harvested a great book or magazine from the recycling bin, or picked up a free couch or television from the curb the day before bulky waste pickup?
you should check out Freecycle.
I got a gently used black leather couch last week!
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/EssexFreecycle/