Old CDs = Disco Ball?

Okay. Originally, my post for today was going to be about how to properly recycle old used light bulbs. But while researching that, I came across something that was just too cool not to share!

There is a way to turn your old scratched or unwanted CDs into your very own disco ball!
No way, you say?
Yes way!

I found all the instructions you'll need right over at http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Disco-Ball-with-CDs

WikiHow is almost (read exactly) as cool as Wikipedia. It's got lots of cool How-To articles on Reducing Reusing and Recycling, so you should check it out!

But if you want to make your own disco ball, all you need is a pile of unwanted CDs, and really, who doesn't have a pile of those sitting around some where? I think I've got a few old Brittany Spears and Spice Girls CDs that I wouldn't be too upset to part with... Yikes!

Anyway, the process is fairly simple. It mostly involves cutting the CDs into little squares, and then hot-gluing them onto a Styrofoam ball... I'm normally not a fan of Styrofoam (see my post about Biodegradation), but if it's for a disco ball I'll let it slide...

So, I'm going to get started on this project as soon as I finish with my Plastic Bag Bag (yes, I'm still working on that).
If any of you guys make one, I'd love to hear about it! Send me pictures and I'll post them here!

So for now, happy crafting, happy recycling, and I'll see you next time!

Long live Disco! (or at least, Disco Balls!)


P.S. Congratulations to President Obama! May your impact on our country be huge, and your ecological footprint small. :)

10 Reasons to love Reusable Bags!

Hello out there! I’m still here!
Sorry I haven’t posted in a while, I’ve been swamped with work. Which is too bad, because I’ve been wanting to do this post for some time now.
I know that a lot of you readers out there probably already use reusable bags in places like grocery stores and drug stores. But in case you don’t, I thought I’d post some of the reasons that I love reusable bags!

10. They look a lot nicer than those dinky plastic ones, or even the paper ones for that matter. They come in lots of different colors and styles.
9. If you have a heavy load (I’m thinking milk or 2L bottles of soda) the straps don’t cut into your hands the way the plastic ones do.
8. This goes along with the last one, if you have a heavy load, the bag is a lot less likely to split open and send your groceries flying (happened to a friend of mine on the bus ride home).
7. Certain types of reusable bags are machine washable, so they don’t need to be thrown out if something spills all over them (I swear, the milk leaks every time I buy it!).
6. Not only are they resistant to heavy loads, but they can take wear and tear well over time, so they should last you a lot longer than the plastic or paper ones.
5. It’s easy to remember which bags are yours, especially if you use public transit a lot (and if you do, way to go!).
4. Some of the reusable bags are nice enough to take anywhere. My mom’s got a pink one with paisleys, and she uses it as a purse!
3. Unlike reusing plastic bags, stores don’t tend to get upset (or want to check your bags) if you use bags from competing stores. (Like brining a Hiller’s plastic bag to Krogers) They don’t care as much if they’re the cloth kind.
2. Some stores will actually give you savings on your total purchase for using the cloth bags! (I know Krogers and Hiller’s will give you 5 cents off for each bag you bring in!).
1. And the number one reason I love reusable bags: They’re environmentally responsible! They’re good for more than just groceries and can be used over and over again, what more could you want?

Okay, I hope this has got you thinking about reusable bags, and maybe even seeing them in a new light?

Anyway, if you’re not sure where to get reusable bags, your local grocery store is a good place to start. Most of the plain basic ones sell for about 99 cents, but you can certainly get nicer and bigger ones if you want!
And, a picture "borrowed" from: http://eco-friendly-bags.blogspot.com/2008/05/new-reusable-grocery-tote-bag-5-pack.html