Orlando charity finds new life — and new money — through recycling

When charitable donations to The Mustard Seed plummeted during the recession, it needed to find a creative way to raise money. A year later, the charity is a role model for green businesses and nonprofits looking to beef up their bottom lines for public good.

The Mustard Seed celebrates its reincarnation as a major recycling hub for Central Florida — taking in used mattresses, appliances, Styrofoam, cardboard, plastic, paper and electronics. Already, the program is raising about 20 percent of the charity's revenue.