Wow! It seems by the positive responses we received that our eco-friendly series of articles about raising money with the three R’s was a success. We clearly understood that we needed to explore a little bit more about how to raise money with the eco-mantra: Reuse, Reduce, Recycle. Let’s kick it today with another easy to organize, fun to do and green to go fundraiser idea. This time, let’s see what we can come up with the third R: Recycle.

Did you know that less than 20% of glass bottles are being recycled each year and that 8 out of 10 plastic bottles are put out in the trash never to be recycled? That sure is a sad statistic, so why not do something about it while raising some money for your group project. The whole idea is to get your group to collect bottles and cans around your community and to cash them at your local supermarket or convenience store (or wherever recyclables are collected locally). You can get the bottles and cans from neighbours too busy to drive for recycling and use the occasion for some discussion about our wasting habits, raising a little conciousness here and there. Also, you can offer elders to do the chore in their place, relieving them from a tiring effort. They’ll sure appreciate your help and you, theirs!

Take a look around your community. Some shops and industries still don’t have a recycling program in place. You could offer to collect their bottles and cans. Even more, find out what recyclables can be exchanged for cash in your area and start a drive. Some facilities pay for discarded paper, metal or wood. Your local shops and industries could appreciate you take it off their hands while helping you raise some more money.

Now, to have a green fundraiser, it’s not always enough to have just one aspect of your campaign being ecological. Why not give an extra green touch to your fundraising? Use eco-friendly means of collecting your cans and bottles. Have your group use bike trailers, wagons, anything earth friendly you can think of and be entirely green.

Now, gather your group, grab your bikes and have a fun green drive around collecting bottles and cans. Help your community be a greener place: Recycle for some extra cash!