Taking a Break, in the East Village

Photo by myself, somewhere in the East Village.

A woman takes a break from collecting cans on the street. At certain stores, cans and bottles can be refunded for a nickel a piece. It is a bit of work and a good way to make some money.

Most people skip the refund altogether and leave their recyclables on the street. Once a week, trucks pick up recyclables (metals, glass and paper) left in bins along the curb.

Around Thanksgiving and the holiday season, people in the States give thanks for what they have. They also think of those less fortunate.

This photo is filed under 'homeless', though this woman is probably not without a home. My definition of homelessness has many shades of grey, and includes people who are truly without a home, people who have temporary shelter and people who are jobless.

Related posts: On Collecting Cans and a Rupert Update, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Seasons Greetings from the MTA.