Hi everyone!

This is Vanis.  I live in Corona del Mar, California and I created "My ReCycler".

I started my business when I was 7. I learned about recycling at my school on Earth Day and thought it was something I should do.  My parents said they would help and that we should first start at home. I was really surprised at how much stuff we threw away.   After a little while I began to save recyclables for other family members and neighbors. Soon I was collecting for all of our friends as well.  The idea for my business name came from “cycling” and riding my scooter around town picking up trash on our beach, streets and parks then hauling it home to recycle.  My mom and dad taught me to never pollute so picking up trash was something we always did but now it's a part of the business.  

As my business grew my parents said that if I wanted to continue that I should do more than just help the environment. They taught me about charities and why they are necessary.  They told me to find one that was important to me.  So we searched around and I found one that helps kids. I thought it was perfect.  It's called Project Hope Alliance.  They help homeless kids and families in Orange County.  We visited their school, met the people who work there and the kids who really need our help. I've been helping them ever since.  One day I asked my dad for a business card like his.  He said I could if I drew the card myself.  A picture of my first card is on the "images" tab.  My Dad used my drawing exactly as I made it (even with my bad spelling) to make my cards and my very first flyer!  I loved it and decided to pass them out to a few businesses in town.  Everyone liked it and within a few days we had businesses helping us recycle too!  

Three years later "My Recycler" is going strong - because of my very nice customers!

It’s so easy to do nothing.   But it’s really good to do something!  
I always tell my new customers that “every little bit matters”.  Even ONE bottle helps.  
I love my job.  I’m a very lucky kid but there’s a lot of kids who don’t have much luck.  

If you want to join “My ReCycler” and help me help other kids – please contact me. 

Thank you, Vanis