My neighbor has always been known as the kind of person who can fix just about anything. Whether it’s a broken washing machine, a squeaky door, or an old toaster, he’ll figure out a way to repair it. His wife sometimes laughs that they never get new appliances because he insists on making the old ones work again. He’s practical, hands-on, and full of creative solutions.
The other day, I was walking past his backyard when I noticed something that made me stop in my tracks. An old refrigerator was sticking out of the ground—just the top part, with the lid still visible. At first, I thought it must be garbage he hadn’t finished disposing of. But the way it was positioned looked intentional. I stood there for a few moments, completely puzzled. Why would someone bury a fridge?
My curiosity got the better of me, so I walked up and asked him directly. He grinned and waved me over.
“This is my new cellar,” he said proudly.
He went on to explain that he had taken an old, broken refrigerator and buried it in the ground, leaving the lid accessible so he could open it easily. Inside, he stored fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots. The earth around the fridge kept it naturally cool, making it an ideal space for food storage.
I was genuinely amazed. What had seemed like a strange decision at first turned out to be a clever, low-cost solution. It was both practical and eco-friendly.
Since that day, I’ve started to look at broken appliances differently. Maybe, with a little imagination, they don’t have to be junk after all. Maybe they’re just waiting for a second life. I’m even thinking about trying it myself.