As my husband and I downsize I have become increasingly aware of how hard it is to do so responsibly. I can't just throw something in the garbage, it's not in my DNA.
As many of you know I am a creative type. I write, I record, and that means there are papers, electronic equipment and other necessary supplies that need to be recycled at some point in time.
Recently a discussion with a representative from the Town of Olds revealed there is an
e-cycle opportunity at the Olds Bottle Depot. I asked about our blue bins, and those contents are taken to a Red Deer recycling site.
I have been discarding old journal pages, but keeping the covers and unused pages for those who art journal. There is an industry that uses old records. I haven't yet learned where to take them, but I will. Some old records are being made into very groovy eye- glass frames. As far as CDs and cassette tapes, there are mission groups that still send love packages overseas. And there are companies right in Calgary that shred CD's. The shredded material can be used as an aggregate in other products. As for books, there is a company in Airdrie, Alberta called the Book Barn that takes all kinds of books, should our local thrift stores or libraries not have room.
Furthermore are there ways for us authors to incorporate journaling pages with our stories, places for children to write and draw, to give the storybooks multi-purposes and longer shelf lives? Could we not include an information page at the end of each of our products to educate others on the importance of recycling and how to recycle?
Just yesterday I learned I could trade in a preamp for my midi keyboard and obtain a new preamp that works with my IMac Sonoma, soon to be Sequoia (operating system).
Thankfully older models of the Roland Quad Capture are still in demand and work with some operating systems. I have learned the new equipment I am getting is more user friendly with Macs and adaptable as that technology changes.
Today as I boil pears and use a steel cone strainer and pestle set I entertain the idea of how to make paper out of the left over fruit pulp. I don't have time to experiment with that this year, but maybe next. Pulp can be disposed of in the compost bin and that I can live with.
I recycle to create a peaceful home environment and to maintain peace of mind. Knowing I have done everything to be a good steward makes all the difference to
me and the planet.
Cindy Palin
Music and Words
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