SHERMAN OAKS, Calif. — A couple bags at a time, Dominic and Rocco Pesoli work together filling up their mother's truck with recycling they’ve collected over the last few weeks, at least the ones light enough for them to pick up.
“These ones probably just had aluminum cans and plastic water bottles and stuff like that. These two, they weren’t a lot of work, but all these definitely will be a lot of work,” said Dominic, the older brother.
Where do they get it all this recycling? Sometimes their mom drives them around their neighborhood for trash along the streets.
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Some of it comes from neighbors who want to support the boys in what they are doing.
Five months ago, their mom Tina got the idea from a friend and that’s when Dom and Roc’s recycling was born.
On top of saving the planet, the boys also learn a variety of skills—like interpersonal skills by talking with donors.
The day they went to cash in three of their more than 20 bags, they received nearly $60, so they are learning financial skills as well.
Tina says she so proud of her boys stepping up and owning this.
“To see them doing this instead of playing video games instead of vegging out in front of a TV, it just warms my heart to no extent," she said. "I am so proud of their hard work and their understanding of what’s important."
As for the money, a portion goes to Oceana, a global organization supporting marine life wellbeing.
But a small piece goes to their very own fish tank teaching them personal responsibility.
Dominic says this whole thing has shown him and his brother how their actions can have far reaching affects.
“Just people seeing how we’re doing it, it’s going to inspire more people to recycle and help people save the environment," he said.