Simple Idea No. 20 - Use Rechargable Batteries

Every year billions of disposable alkaline batteries are produced and sold. A very small fraction of these are recycled. Reduce the number of batteries you toss in the trash by purchasing a charger and rechargeable batteries.

Yes, rechargeable batteries require you to shell out more of your hard earned cash up front but you will save money in the long run by purchasing fewer batteries and less batteries end up in the landfill!

Take it a step further by recycling your single use batteries! In most areas there are companies that will take your used batteries and recycle them safely!

If you need assistance in locating a recycling center send us an email and we will do our best to help you out!

Now let's "charge" forward!

Collecting Milk Bags, Cell Phones, Ink Cartridges, and Glasses

Hi folks!

It's been a while since we've posted anything but we're still collecting all the items mentioned above. If you email us at bb@cjfriends.com we can arrange a pick up or a drop off. If you don't live in the Niagara region of Ontario I'm sure I could help facilitate a location for you in another region.

Have a good one!

Bradley

Simple Idea No. 19 - Wrapping Paper Alternatives

Use newspaper and/or magazines instead of wrapping paper. Some wrapping paper can be recycled but due to many wrapping paper having dyes, and other non-paper additives a number of them cannot be recycled.

Reusing newspaper and/or magazines as wrapping paper saves you money and allows you to recycle your wrapping as opposed to tossing it in the trash!

Using the comics section for children's gift has always been popular with children!

Another alternative is reusing any gifts bags you receive from other occasions.

Now get wrapping!

Simple Idea No. 18 - Solar Powered Christmas Lights

It has been way too long since we posted a new simple idea and with the Christmas season upon us there are a number of ways you can change the world around you!

Solar Powered christmas lights are not only better for the environment because they do not draw from the power grid, they also save you money on your power bills!

Sure they are a little more expensive than regular lights but you will save the difference and more when that aforementioned bill comes in the mail (preferably email if you have paperless billing)!

Update No. 4 - Milk Bags and Cell Phones

The word is out about the milk bags and collecting them is going well. I still have people coming up to me weeks after Caleb and I appeared in the paper asking about it. It is very encouraging!

We have also been invited to give short 'pitches' at a couple of different churches events letting people know what we're doing and there has been a very positive response! We're getting closer to getting some mats done! Hooray!

The cell phone and milk bag drive is ongoing so keep them coming!

Remember, keep sending in those simple ideas for changing the world! We'll publish the best ones here at cjfriends.com!

Simple Idea No. 17 - Less Fast Food Packaging

Eating out, especially at fast food joints, on a regular basis is neither good for you or the earth. As great as it may taste the food is awful for you and the packaging waste it generates quickly fills up the trash cans. We can work out the waste, but the earth does not have it so lucky.

To be sure, some places are getting on the recycling bandwagon and offering recycling bins but in most cases it is still the trash cans that are most conveniently located. One place we recently visited had one recycling bin by the exit while there were 3 or 4 trash bins located throughout the place. You may find this odd, why are there more trash cans than recycling bins when most of the packaging is recycling?

There are few ways to combat this. One is to mention it to the establishments in question. Ask them to consider less packaging. It does not make sense to order a sandwich and have it wrapped up only to take to a table 10 feet away, unwrap it and then throw out the package. Another is to start eating out at places who already use less packaging and offering more recycling options. Of course the easiest way is to eat out less. You can buy more food at the grocery store (and don't forget to use this simple idea) with the same amount of money you would use for eating out.

Instuctions for Milk Bag Mats

You will need scissors, a size 7.0 crochet hook and about 250-400 bags depending on the size of mat.

Preparation of Milk Bags

Store them flat. Scrunched up bags can be difficult to work with
Remove flap at top of bag and slit bottom
Fold bag in 4 length-wise
Cut across folded bag every 1¼ inches. Throw away fragments that do not measure 1¼ inches
Open the pieces and loop together, but do not pull the knot tight. The knot will work into the mat without a problem
Only wash them if they are smelly and sticky

Make the Mat

Loosely chain sufficient stitches to measure 34” or 38”.
Turn
Into 3rd stitch from hook, single crochet and into each chain to end of row, doing last crochet in first chain.
Chain 2 and turn
Begin with single crochet in 2nd stitch from hook and continue to end of row, placing last stitch in top of chain 2.
Chain 2 and turn.
Continue in same manner to reach desired length. Mats should measure 32” x 48” or 36” x 60”
When desired length has been reached, do a single crochet around the entire mat to re-enforce it.

If you have any questions during the process be sure to contact us.