Lessons learned from innovative Yooper recycler

The Mining Journal has a neat article on a couple from Harvey that are in their mid-80s and are really into recycling. Some of this younger generation might think that recycling is a new thing that folks have come up with to treat the environment in a kinder, gentler fashion. Believe it or not, but your grandparents and great-grandparents could probably teach you a few things about recycling. The generation that lived through the Great Depression didn't recycle to "save the earth" - they recycled because there was no other way to survive.

Betty and Charlie Shirtz learned their recycling lessons in the Great Depression and continue to recycle today - not because they can't afford new things, but because they wish to use less energy and give new life to "old" things. What a great concept to see someone continuing to practice into their mid-80s.

Do yourself a favor and read the article :)

Any plans for Earth Day?

If you want ideas for stuff to do for Earth Day (or any day for that matter) check out my Squidoo lens entitled Why Recycle? In addition to attempting an answer as to why we should (or why should we?) recycle there are ideas and plans for recycling products by making them into something new (like a purse made from seatbelts). I'm not some tree hugging hippie. I'm just trying to be responsible.

Furniture made from cow manure is no bull

Picture yourself walking across the floor and sitting on a chair at your kitchen table. Now imagine that the floor, chair, and table are all made from cow manure! Sound gross?

Researchers at Michigan State University are currently working to use the fiber from processed and sterilized cow manure in place of sawdust in fiberboard. Early results of some tests show that the "manure fiberboard" "seems to match or beat the quality of wood-based products."

This would certainly be a plus for farmers. Instead of having to pay an average of $200 per cow annually, farmers could bring in revenue by selling the manure to fiberboard manufacturers. It will be interesting to see if this flies or not.

Read the article at cbs11tv.com.