Recycling Plastic Bags - Last Drop of 2009

The project:
Gather up the plethora of plastic that made it into our home this holiday season and deliver it to the plastic bag recycling drop spot.

Time:
A few minutes to gather, less than a minute to stuff them into the box at our drop spot - the local grocery store.

Why bother?
Ideally, we wouldn't be using plastic and tossing it aside to end up in landfills for decades to come, flying through our deserts or forests, floating across our oceans. The least we can do is recycle it. It's easy. It's free. And it helps provide a source for other products while preserving valuable natural resources.

Worth it?
Absolutely!

Christmas Eve Prep at Church

The project:
Fold bulletins, set up luminarias, help set out treats for candlelight service on this Christmas Eve.

Time:
We arrived an hour early to help out. It probably took half that time, but I got lost in conversation somewhere along the line as we worked away and lost track of time.

Why bother?
It used to be that churches were abuzz with helping hands. With volunteerism dropping across the board, churches are hurting. It doesn't take a lot to lend a hand.

Worth it?
Yes. The candlelight service is my favorite of the year, though the people here are friendly year-round.

Photo courtesy AZAdam under Creative Commons license.

Baking for Sixteen - Apple Bread, Anyone?

The project:
Bake loaves of Apple Walnut Bread for friends and neighbors.

I usually do this over the course of weeks, but because we've been out of town so much this holiday season, today was The Day to get it done. Mission accomplished.

Time:
Several hours.

Why bother?
Every winter holiday season I bake something for friends and neighbors. It started with fudge, then evolved to a great toffee recipe I received from a friend's mom, and in more recent years various desert-style breads have been involved. This year I let the sweets go in favor of the marginally more healthy bread.

Worth it?
Yes - no one's ever complained about receiving this bread. Then again, who complains when she receives gifts of food?

Photo courtesy Katrin Morenz under Creative Commons license.