For five dollars and in five minutes, I fixed a pair of utility pants.

This was satisfying on a number of levels.

One, something was broken and I fixed it.

Two, I learned a new skill.

And three, I felt like I was doing something responsible — that is, making a simple repair instead of adding to a landfill.

A bonus: the repair kit came in a set of six. I can make five more repairs. (Broken snap, anyone?)

Making things better. Learning new skills. Acting with consideration for the environment. Positioning myself to help others.

It was all worth much more than five dollars and five minutes.