Disposing of medicines

Yesterday I gathered up all of my unused medicines for disposal. I found all kinds of stuff, including children's medicines, and considering the fact that my youngest just turned 20, I guess it's time for them to go. I got everything into boxes - you can see our cat Calvin inspecting them (on the counter.....yes....I know....). In my research, it was recommended that I call my local pharmacy first to see if they participate in a take-back program. My CVS here in Troy does not, but they recommended that I call SOCCRA, my local recycling center. So I have made an appointment to take them in.

Before I take them in, however, I am going to do a couple of things. First, there are some perfectly good medications (like vitamins) that I simply don't want, and I'm going to see if anyone wants them. Second, for things that are no longer useful to anyone, I have read that I have to do the following: For solid meds, add a bit of water to the container to discourage people from looking through the trash and taking them; for liquids, add salt or spices; cover blister packs with heavy tape; in fact, cover all packages with tape and wrap them in plastic bags. Then throw it into the trash. In case you haven't heard: Do not put anything into the toilet or sink - it all goes to our water system and our system is not equipped to filter out these toxins.

This seems like a pretty imperfect answer, so we are working on ideas for reducing the medications that need to be thrown away or somehow recycling. Reducing could include simple things like finishing your meds as you doctor prescribes or buying the minimal amount, and purchasing more as needed. Recycling programs are beginning to pop up also -- read more about this on our medicines page.

Winter garden interest

A few years ago we decided to cut our backyard in half with a dry creek. On one side is our traditional lawn, but on the other side we have developed a woodsy-type area. We covered the grass with wood chips and mountains of leaves. We already had a flowering pear tree, and added a river birch and swamp oak. Then we planted bushes: ninebarks, red-twig dogwoods, serviceberries, winterberry, and a couple of elderberries. Add to that other native flowing plants, and it is quite a sight in the summer.

So I thought you might like to see it in a Michigan winter. We don't cut back anything, so you see it as it is. I have noticed that we have a lot of critter and bird activity - still - because of the trails they leave in the snow. It's endlessly interesting.

Handkerchiefs

This past Christmas Tom asked for handkerchiefs and received 3 from our daughters that were hand embroidered. I think he got the idea originally when we lived in Japan and all the men carried handkerchiefs to blow their noses or wipe their faces in the summer heat. It's also a great way to reduce paper consumption. So he carries one on his person (back pocket) regularly now. He uses it to wipe his hands in the men's room, wipe things like his glasses or camera, and of course when he sneezes, coughs or needs to blow his nose (but that would eliminate the other uses if used first, I think).

This is a little idea, but you might find it useful. And out daughters, I'm sure, wouldn't mind embroidering them for you!