I scored big a week or so ago-- 1/2 cord of free firewood.  I scored big a few weeks ago and the week before that as well-- dozens of free eggs shells and pounds of free coffee grinds for my compost piles.  How did I manage these feats?  I keep my eyes and ears open for opportunity.

I took part the day off and ran some important errands.  When I was returning home, I noticed a utility crew felling trees and limbs.  I pulled up and inquired what was to become of the wood-- it was mine for the taking six trips later I had gotten almost everything.  Half is dried out enough for late season use and the other half is green for next season's use.  Around here, they charge between two and three hundred dollars for a cord . . .

My compost score?  I noticed the ladies in the cafeteria dumping huge batches of coffee grinds and asked if I could supply some five gallon buckets to capture some of that "brown gold"-- they said sure and asked me to give them another bucket for eggs shells . . .

I also do well at the dump (fencing, tools, plant stands), but that will be the subject of a future post with pictures.

Morale of the story: Keep an eye out for "trash" that is really treasure in disguise . . .

This post originally appeared on Self-Reliance-Exchange.com, here is the link to the original post:  Keep Your Eyes and Ears Open For Treasure . . .

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