Mark and Suzanne were recyclers before recycling was a 'chic' thing to do!  In their world, recycling was more about who they are than saving the planet!  They were raised to be thrifty and self-sufficient. Mark and Suzanne's grandparents lived through the depression. They were both taught that waste was inexcusable.  

"Things" weren't nearly as plentiful when their parents and grandparents were growing up, so when they did have 'stuff' and something was broken, they fixed it or found another use for it or its parts before they threw it away.  They learned to stop and think before deciding something should be thrown away.  Mark is the youngest of 11.  A family that large had to be innovative and creative not only to just get by but to prosper and improve their lives.  Suzanne's much smaller family did the same -- her Mother took the washer apart to see what could be fixed before calling someone to repair it!

more...