As the father of a toddler, I am an expert on dirty diapers. I know exactly what to do with them: throw them out!
But along comes a New York waste company and a town in California who want me to do something else with my dirty diapers. Like cover my roof with them. Or walk on them. Or build a doghouse with them, perhaps.
Does this sound nuts? Well, it's not. In fact, this project just won the world's top happiness award: the 2003 Happy Guy Award (www.The HappyGuy.com).
A few months ago, we lived in a "vertical community". When The Little Lady was born, we wanted to expand our home to make room for her, but our neighbors below objected to us digging a basement, and a front porch would have blocked the hall. So we opted to move out to the country, and with that move we had to sacrifice the diaper service and any environmental high ground we could claim.
Yes, we became what we had always wanted to avoid being: diaper-dumpers.
If you have never had children, you may not realize how much a little child can dispose of. In olden days, a couple would have a dozen kids, give or take a few. In these modern times of disposable diapers that just is not possible ? the diapers from the first child take up more place on this planet than several dozen siblings would.
So along comes the town of Santa Clarita and Knowaste Inc. proposing to recycle dirty diapers. Sure, you think, just mix them all together, throw in a bit of water, steam them clean and slap them back on baby.
Ironically, the only product that does not seem to be on the list of end uses is diapers. Roofing shingles, sure. Shoe insoles, yes. But not diapers. As I pondered how the world might look if the massive force of dirty diapers was unleashed, it became clear that there could be several big markets. Imagine the pitches ...
From Milan and Paris: "Next we have Oo-La-La Picotte strutting her stuff in a lovely ensemble of pure recycled diapers. Notice the fashionable fuchsia on the upper tilt of the collar. This line will be all the rage in parlors and bars this spring."
From Detroit and Tokyo: "Feel the energy and invigoration. That's the power of 100% pure recycled diapers under the hood. Go ahead. Kick the tires. Pick your color. And drive away safe in the knowledge that you are being protected by 2000 pound of pure recycled baby poop!"
From Los Angeles: "It's a smash hit. Dirty Diapers II: The Recycled Story opened in theatres across the country yesterday and immediately claimed the number one spot. What a movie!"
From New York and Toronto: "This just in. Citizens are being asked NOT to hoard dirty diapers. I repeat, do NOT hoard dirty diapers. The shortage has already slowed the economy by three percent and housing starts have ground to a halt. Please take all your dirty diapers immediately to a drop-off depot. This has been a public service announcement."
So what will YOU be doing with your dirty diapers?
About The Author
David Leonhardt is the Happy Guy, speaker, author, and publisher of "Your Daily Dose of Happiness" at http://www.thehappyguy.com/daily-happiness-free-ezine.html Visit him at http://www.thehappyguy.com/daily-happiness-free-ezine.html
http://www.thehappyguy.com/daily-happiness-free-ezine.html
recurring cleaning service Wilmette ..It can be hard being a parent with a teen... Read More
I recently heard a story that has literally changed the... Read More
How can two or three children in the same family... Read More
KIDS AND THE NEWSMore than ever, children witness innumerable, sometimes... Read More
How would you like to have a closer relationship with... Read More
At age seven months in the womb, humans begin language... Read More
Very often, new parents rely on a parenting tip or... Read More
Younger generations unfortunately will not understand how larger than life... Read More
All children will likely have many different health problems during... Read More
Many parental units are not "techies" and openly admit they... Read More
Researching career education uncovered the following shocking statistic: The average... Read More
Children are notoriously bad at drinking enough liquids. They are... Read More
At the ADHD Information Library we are big believers that... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
Public-school teaching is structured in such a way that it... Read More
I look out of the window as I am writing... Read More
In today's busy world, many parents have lost the art... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
Being a single mother is no easy task. I know.... Read More
In elementary school it's pretty straightforward: bringing in cupcakes to... Read More
Many companies advertise their products as being educational. How much... Read More
Spare the rod, spoil the child!This philosophy's been around a... Read More
The children of Baby Boomers, the Echo Generation, are entering... Read More
A certain educator was once asked at what point should... Read More
The 'phone conversation had nothing at all to do with... Read More
reliable maid service Morton Grove ..Q. Things have been relatively calm and OK with our... Read More
Teens don't learn responsibility overnight. If you haven't been working... Read More
We take it for granted that children know how money... Read More
Ask any teacher or adolescent counselor what the most disturbing... Read More
I'm sure many of you have heard that old Hallmark... Read More
Some public schools try to turn children against their parents... Read More
It can be said that any man who procreates is... Read More
Paula's last child had just gone off to college and... Read More
Jason Meridith's two-year old son whines when he wants more... Read More
Who lives in your house? Are they driving you "crazy?"... Read More
Although many parents become frustrated as they try to maintain... Read More
How on earth can you help your family cope with... Read More
Because most teens have not had the experience of getting... Read More
Oh yes you have! Suddenly, "Where's Bobby?" You instantly realize... Read More
Q. My daughter is a junior in high school and... Read More
What a dreamer I am when thinking about parenthood. Most... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
Self-reliance and potential are two very important values that I'd... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
Most people have more training before they receive their driver's... Read More
When you think about it, probably the one thing that... Read More
Working with adults (as well as children and teens) for... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?Last... Read More
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 is making... Read More
Parenting |