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
efficient cleaning crew Lake Forest ..Many people still think that the game of chess is... Read More
Self esteem in an important quality for all children to... Read More
Diagnosing children and teens with ADHD can be a challenge.... Read More
We begin forming healthy habits at a young age. With... Read More
Is it hard to communicate with your teenager about issues... Read More
The first year of a child's life is the most... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
We were all teens at one time for some many... Read More
Many reasons will cause some people to feel the need... Read More
Working with adults (as well as children and teens) for... Read More
Although it's hard to say when the first stuffed dogs... Read More
OK, moms and dads out there, we hear you when... Read More
This may come as a surprise.But despite all the advances... Read More
My wife and I have been working on a video... Read More
Dining in a restaurant with kids can be very enervating... Read More
For several years now, I've told the following story as... Read More
"The best blush to use is laughter: It put roses... Read More
Saying no to our children is not always easy or... Read More
Once upon a time, I thought I had it all.... Read More
Everyone knows that exercise is good for your health. Exercising... Read More
Are you considering a car wash fundraiser for your group?... Read More
As a parent you will be asked to assist with... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
A tall, weary-looking mother with glasses, walked into my counseling... Read More
Here are some tips that I have picked up from... Read More
green cleaning service Deerfield ..Children and teenagers are relentlessly bombarded with merchandise that entices.... Read More
Frankly, as a single parent of young children, I struggled.... Read More
Compulsory attendance laws are school authorities' first assault on parental... Read More
Reading is the most important skill that a child must... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
Traditionally, babies have been named at a christening/baptism.... Read More
Do you live with an ADD / ADHD child? If... Read More
It is so important to create an environment that promotes... Read More
Many families today are blending members from past relationships. It... Read More
Are you a frustrated parent who sometimes finds it is... Read More
Grandparents, what better way to stay close to your grown... Read More
Here are some things that you can do to help... Read More
Coping with a child's bad behavior, perhaps more than any... Read More
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
I was reading "A Modern Infant Armada", a humor column... Read More
We adopted our first child when he was three months... Read More
You may think once your child has gone off to... Read More
Ritalin has been shown through the years to be very... Read More
Even as a busy parent, I'm sure you've seen a... Read More
Child support is defined as that part of your income... Read More
It used to strike me as odd - but really,... Read More
Mary, Mary, quite contrary, How does your garden grow? With... Read More
Backpack? Check. Notebooks? Check. Ink-pens? Check. Clear Skin? Mommmm!If you... Read More
Dear Sir, It was with some interest that I read... Read More
Are you a professional?Notice how the questions differs from, "Do... Read More
Parenting |