Sydney woman finds $380 designer pen in trash

A young woman from Sydney, known as Em, has turned a pile of rubbish into a surprising treasure worth $380. She discovered a designer pen while rummaging through waste set out for collection in the affluent suburb of Vaucluse. Em describes herself as an "amateur treasure hunter." She picked up the pen because it felt heavier than a typical pen and had a unique logo on it. After researching, she found out it was a designer pen made by ACME Studios, designed by Matteo Thun. Em has become more aware of the valuable items people throw away while riding her Lime Bike. She noticed a trend in Sydney's inner city, where residents place usable items on the curb for others to take. She explained that unused items often end up in landfills, which is a growing concern as Sydney's landfills are projected to be full by 2030. Since January, Em has explored affluent areas like Woollahra and Bellevue Hill. She has found many valuable items, including pianos and vacuum cleaners, helping her furnish her home at minimal cost. For those interested in treasure hunting, Em offers some tips. She advises wearing gloves and sunscreen while scavenging. Checking drawers for forgotten items and being respectful of the community are also important. Em encourages others to get involved, noting that there's always plenty to find.