Recycled, by Sandra James

15/12/2021

Her neighbour invited the shy young mother to the Tupperware party attended by several family members and other neighbours.

Conversation turned to an eccentric aunt. ‘You know she even recycles Christmas wrapping paper,’ said one cousin, rolling her eyes.

The young mother cringed, hoping her red face didn’t arouse interest for she always recycled, even though it wasn’t fashionable in the 80s. She cradled her growing bump. She wanted him, or her, to have a future.

December 2021… she smiles as she wraps her forty-year-old son’s present in paper saved from last year. Finally, recycling rocks!.

Padmini Krishnan

15/12/2021 10:48:45 am

Now recycling is everywhere. A much-needed and timely story.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 11:57:30 am

Thanks, Padmini! Yes, a small thing that could do so much 🙂

Mary Wallace

15/12/2021 11:24:34 am

What was cringe worthy is now on trend.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 11:59:12 am

Thanks, Mary. The old aunt was a lot more savvy than her relatives!

Pamela Kennedy

15/12/2021 11:50:40 am

Reuse, repurpose, recycle=rewards for the planet. Well done, Sandra.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 12:02:12 pm

Thanks, Pamela. It was inspired by a true story - I wonder if those same relatives have finally gotten the message? I fear not but at least there are many who have 💛

Fliss Zakaszewska

15/12/2021 12:04:13 pm

Fashions and opinions! Nicely told, Sandra.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:25:21 pm

Thanks, Fliss. I often wonder how those relatives feel now and if they've ever followed the aunt's example 🤔

Candace Arthuria Williams

15/12/2021 01:56:45 pm

"To everything there is a season...." Turn, Turn. Turn.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:27:07 pm

Thanks, Candace. The aunt who inspired this must be long gone by now but I wonder if she looks down and shakes her head or smiles 💛

Peggy Gerber

15/12/2021 02:24:16 pm

It just goes to show that you must believe in your ideas. Good for that young mother.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:31:07 pm

Thanks, Peggy. The story was inspired by a true event and, yes, the young, (albeit much older now), mother still does what she can 💛

Marjan Sierhuis

15/12/2021 02:50:44 pm

A lovely story, Sandra.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:31:33 pm

Thank you, Marjan 💛

Jennifer Duncan

15/12/2021 03:36:30 pm

My mother was an organic composting gardener 70 years ago. She was ahead of her time. Sure is nice to see people recycling more these days.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:33:49 pm

Thanks, Jennifer. I have wonderful memories of my Nan's compost heap and I'm sure she inspired me to do my bit 💛

Jim B link

15/12/2021 04:09:40 pm

Nice little story (and reminder), Sandra!
Jim

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:37:13 pm

Thanks, Jim! After writing it I tried to imagine how many rolls of paper would be saved, and how many trees, if everyone just recycled one piece of paper. Or, two pieces? Very little effort and BIG savings to planet and purse. If only... 💛

Rob Wolf

15/12/2021 07:30:10 pm

I love repurposing things and renewing relationships. Some things in life are not disposable.

Sandra James

15/12/2021 07:39:29 pm

Thanks, Rob. I agree. 'Retail therapy' is often touted as a boost when one is feeling down but I don't think it comes close to the satisfaction of repurposing and renewing 💛

Sue Clayton

16/12/2021 02:46:44 am

Didn't we just love those Tupperware parties that you absolutely had to go to, and buy something. At least Tupperware lasts for a long time...I still have some. Timely reminder Sandra and recycling is a BIG THING with most people these days.

Sandra James

17/12/2021 10:48:13 am

Yes, Tupperware does last a long time and I remember trying to find the lowest priced item to fit my budget because, YES, you had to buy something! Now... if we can just get everyone thinking the HAVE TO recycle... 😉

Sivan Pillai

17/12/2021 08:58:31 am

Recycling is the need of the hour. Enjoyed it, Sandra.

Sandra James

17/12/2021 10:44:25 am

Thank you, Sivan. Yes, and wouldn't it be nice if even more people tried it? 🙂

Samantha Lynne

17/12/2021 03:02:33 pm

You must have met my Mother Sandra, This is her to a tee! The Tupperware the recycled gift wrap. She still has gift tags made from old Christmas cards from the 80's courtesy of pinking shears. The whole story made me smile.

Dee Lorraine

18/12/2021 12:52:30 am

I went to Tupperware parties and recycled Christmas wrap and stick-on bows back in the day! Love this story, Sandra.

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Recycled, by Sandra James

"Classic"
100-Word
Stories

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Recycled, by Sandra James

"Classic"100-WordStories﻿

Archives

"Classic"
100-Word
Stories