“My name is Michael, I got a nickel. I got a nickel, shiny and new. I'm gonna buy me, all kinds of candy. That's what I'm gonna do.”

Clint Holmes sang those words in 1972 with his catchy song about the memories of childhood entitled, “Playground in my Mind.” I sang those words, too. In fact, I still am. Right now. Some of you are, too.

The nickel was meaningful when I was a kid. Not just because it was shiny and new, but because I could get one if I turned a can in at the convenience store. Sure, one nickel wouldn’t buy much. But if I collected a bag full, I was rich!

Today? Not so much. If I found a nickel on the ground, I would certainly pick it up. But I am not as inclined to return a can to the store for 5 cents. Not for a single can or even an entire bag.

I am not proud of this admission. If anything, I am embarrassed by it. The question is, why do I no longer feel the need to redeem my cans?

For starters, a nickel from a redeemed can can’t buy what it could when I was a child — and that goes for an entire bag of cans, too. If the cans had a 25-cent redemption, I would certainly be more inclined. I am not suggesting this happen, but it would make a difference. The bigger reason for me, though, is that finding a place to redeem cans isn’t as easy as it used to be. Until now.

The Iowa Beverage Association (IBA) is the trade association that represents Iowa’s non-alcoholic beverage producers, bottlers and distributors. The IBA recently announced the launch of Empties.org to help Iowans find local redemption centers for beverage bottles and cans. Their hope is that this new initiative will help make redemption centers more accessible by raising visibility of their locations around the state. You may be surprised to learn more than 300 redemption locations are available around the state. I was. Want to know where ones are located near you? Simply enter your city.

I listed the reasons why I don’t redeem my cans. Here is the No. 1 reason I should. Recycling old containers is the fastest way to give them new life. The beverage industry makes bottles that are 100% recyclable, including the caps. They can be reused and made into new bottles, cans and other products including clothing, carpeting and even dog beds.

“Recycling your cans and bottles isn't just about redeeming your nickel; it’s helping to divert waste from landfills, conserve natural resources and support a more sustainable future,” Jon Murphy, executive director of the IBA, said.

I needed that reminder. And I could use a few more nickels. Why? Because I'm gonna buy me, all kinds of candy. That's what I'm gonna do.

Have a thoughtful Thursday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See more of Shane Goodman's columns here.

BUSINESS FEATURE
Renting or owning?

Gunner Onkst

n Des Moines, small businesses are opening regularly. According to the DSM Small Business Report, provided by the Greater Des Moines Partnership, 12,286 jobs were created by new firms in 2022. More specifically, industries like finance and insurance, accommodations and food service, and health care and social services are increasing the opportunities for Des Moines residents. As exciting as this growth is, it comes with challenges for the owners and operators. One of those is finding the right building in the right location — then deciding whether renting or owning is the best option.

A special bond
Local grandparents share why living close to their grandkids is so important to them.

By Becky Kolosik

These days, kids often grow up, move away and start family and careers far from where they grew up. Siblings are often scattered across the country and even the globe. Dinners with the extended family is now regulated to the holidays, when those who are able make the trip “back home.” But there is something about grandkids that brings about another family shift. Many young families decide their kids would benefit from having family close by, and many grandparents find retirement is the perfect time for making a move closer to family. Some of those grandparents who live close to their grandkids share what it means to them to form the special bonds that come from time spent together.

A grand life
Chuck and Linda Myhre still remember Easter weekend almost 14 years ago when their daughter, Megan, and her husband, Brian, who lived in Des Moines, came to their house in Northwood with a cake decorated in baby items.

“We were so excited to find out we were going to be grandparents,” Linda says. “Being a schoolteacher, I have always loved working with kids, so knowing we would soon have a grandchild gave us so much to look forward to.”

The price of regular unleaded gasoline fell 2 cents, averaging $2.95 across Iowa according to AAA. Prices are up 4 cents from a year ago. The national average on Wednesday was $3.15, up 2 cents from last week’s price.

Retail diesel prices in Iowa fell 2 cents this week with a statewide average of $3.45. One year ago, diesel prices averaged $3.78 in Iowa. The current Iowa diesel price is 22 cents lower than the national average of $3.67.

Wholesale ethanol held steady and is currently priced at $2.16.

Natural gas prices were up $.26 at the Henry Hub reporting site and are currently priced at $3.54/MMbtu.

Propane prices averaged $1.67 per gallon in Iowa.

Home heating oil prices had a statewide average of $3.02 per gallon.

Cheapest gas in the metro from GasBuddy.com

Sam's Club, 1101 73rd St., Windsor Heights $2.67

Sam's Club, 4625 S.E.Delaware Ave., Ankeny, $2.69

Kum & Go, 15590 Hickman Road, Clive, $2.72

These celebrities were born on this date:  Henry Rollins, Kelly Hu, Neal McDonough, Mean Suvari, Robbie Williams, Jess Hilarious, Aston Merrygold, Randy Moss, Memphis Depay, Peter Gabriel

SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to the last riddle:  How do you get rich in ancient Greece? Step 1, become an oracle. Step 2: prophet (profit)! - Gail Tomlinson. Or, You have to URN it! - Rex Post. Or, By building horses for Trojans! - William Snyder

Today's riddle:  Which geometric figure represents a lost parrot?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

To advertise in the Daily Umbrella or the Winterset Living magazines, contact:

Kristine McDonald
Account Executive
Office: 515-953-4822 ext. 321
Mobile: C: 515-975-3543
kristine@iowalivingmagazines.com
Winterset

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