swimmin’ upstream in chelsea, manhattan
Can’t tell you how many times I’ve wondered how much money these people make collecting cans and bottles. You see them everywhere, and especially around streets filled with brownstones where they’re less likely to get caught for trespassing. Researching something else on the net, I came across this most excellent blog post of the ins and outs of collecting bottles and cans here in NYC. This article was written two years ago, but can’t imagine much has changed. What a great read, thanks to Tim Donnelly and Conal Darcy – as read in the Brokelyn, a general interest news and humor site “devoted to living the best possible life in Brooklyn regardless of one’s means.” These two guys decided they would give it a try…and figure out “whether those humble trash pickers are really laughing their way back to McMansions in Jersey.”
Ok, here’s the bottom line. According to their article, it would take 9,980 bottles/cans to buy a $500 iPad or 8 bottles/cans for a 39 cent packet of ramen noodles.
So there you have it, but you really need to read the article – it’s that good.
Wow! You would have to be really determined, and BRAVE to do this in “your city”, especially seeing how he is going in the wrong direction in all the NYC traffic… Great Post! XoXo
I always admire those that make it under any circumstances, and find a decent way to make a living… and the photo is remarcable….
Great article, Robin, you’re right. But your photo touched me way more – but I’m happy to hear that he’s able to make his living with it. It’s a sad, but honest way, I think.
Robin, I love your ‘tales of the city’!
Great post, Robin, and such a poignant image!