April 1, 2025
It always surprises me who I meet at the bottle return center and the type of cars they drive. You’d think that only “poor” people return bottles, right? But that couldn’t be further from the truth. I get it, though. Growing up in the city, I’d often see homeless people or those struggling picking up cans and bottles. It created the perception that bottle returns were only for those “down on their luck” but now? I know better.
Who’s Really Returning Bottles?
Whenever I go to the bottle return center, I see all types of vehicles pull up with their motherload of recyclables.
I’m talking about:
• F-150 trucks packed with bags
• Tesla owners with containers filling up the trunk
• Minivans and Cadillacs loaded with bottles ready to be deposited
• U-Haul trucks full
And guess what? No one looks ashamed.
They’re not holding their heads down, and they certainly don’t look like they’re too good to be there. It makes me wonder how long did it take to collect all those bottles? Did they consume all of those drinks themselves or collect them from friends and family?
Our Family’s Bottle Return Tradition
In our household, returning bottles in a monthly ritual. This month alone, we collected $206.80 from bottle returns.
My mom contributes the most. She collects bottles from her co-workers at work and saves them for us to return. Back when I was in the office full-time, I used to do the same. But since I’m working remotely now, my “supply” has dwindled.
My mom? She has zero shame in her game.
If she’s walking down the street and sees a bottle, she’s picking it up, because it’s for her grandchildren. She’s determined to help build their futures, and everyone at hoer job knows it. her co-workers even drop off bottles and cans at her desk so she can give them to us.
And where does that money go? Straight into the kids 529 education accounts.
Because to here and to me every penny counts.
Why Won’t Others Do It?
But here’s the thing that always makes me chuckle.
I’ve asked friends who regularly give me their bottles why they don’t just return them and keep the money for themselves.
Their response?
“Oh no, we don’t do that.”
They say it as if returning bottles is beneath them. And I can’t help but laugh because…
If returning bottles is beneath you, what do you think about the person you’re giving them to?
Yup, that’s me, the one returning the bottles.
Is It Ego or Pride Holding Your Back?
So, let me ask you this:
If I gave you 10 cents right now, would you take it?
If I handed you an empty can and told you that you could return it for the same 10 cents, would you take it?
If your answer is “no” why not?
Is it pride that’s holding you back? Or is it ego?
The High Cost of Ego
I’ve had friends who were so caught up in appearances that they struggled to put food on the table and pay their bills, but they were dressed head to toe in the latest styles.
They wouldn’t be caught dead shopping in the discount rack or using coupons because, in their minds, it was a “sign of poverty.”
But here’s the truth:
• Pride won’t pay your bills.
• Ego won’t build your wealth.
• Keeping up appearances will keep you broke.
And while they’re busy looking rich, their bank account is screaming for help.
Financial Wisdom Is Humbling Yourself
My mom’s willingness to pick up bottles for her grandchildren’s future is a reminder that humility builds wealth.
• She doesn’t care about what people think.
• She’s focused on her goal to give her grandchildren a better life.
And that’s what we should all be striving for – financial freedom over appearances.
Final thoughts: Are You Willing to Do What It Takes?
So, I’ll ask you again:
• Would you take 10 cents if I gave it to you?
• Would you pick up a can to get that same 10 cents?
If your answer is still “no,” I encourage you to ask yourself why.
Is your ego keeping you broke?
Because financial freedom isn’t about looking good, it’s about doing what’s necessary to create lasting peace and security.
What’s one small step you can take today to move closer to financial peace?
About Petra-Ann Brown
Petra-Ann Brown is the founder of Brown Financial Solutions, LLC, a financial coaching practice that empowers individuals to take control of their financial lives. She is also the host of Island Money 365 podcast, where she shares inspiring immigrant stories and provides invaluable financial resources to the community.
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