Sunday, 26 May 2013

Goodbye Old TV

Farewell my old screen. We’ve seen a lot together. Through summers of cricket, midnight drama, doco’s about trips I wish I’d done and more I still might do, we shared some life together. This is an emotional parting. Well, it is for me; I sometimes wondered about you. You didn’t even cry when we heard they’d privatise the ABC. Now your time was up and you had to go.

We took you off to the City’s Transfer Station in Thelma Street. A nice man called Tom was gentle with you as he layed you in the “e-Waste” bin. Tom whispered that they’d strip you down and send your bits to be used again. I guess that means you’ll live forever. (Actually, Tom likes a bit of a chat.) He and his mate Miles are on permanent weekend duty, just to help you on your way.

Right next to your cool, blue bin were more for batteries, light tubes, computers and other clever things. Tom told us how they even extract the gas from fridges so it doesn’t sneak out into the air. Something about ozone, I think he said. Pretty smart, really. It seems that all those techie things are really useful but have some not-very-nice stuff inside them.

Hey, there was even a big bin for matrasses. Tom says they shred ‘em and recycle the springs, plastic and bits. It turns out that our old sleep mates are a bit of a problem if they just bury ‘em with all our other waste; they float up through the soil. Funny, old tyres do that too. They’re not nice on the verge anyway.

Tom says to let all those people know that he and his mate Miles really want you to drop your electronic bitz in for recycling. He’s a bit passionate about folks doing the right thing is Tom.

Thanks for the good times old friend.


You can say farewell to my old TV, or whatever, by clicking on “Comments” below. To see where you can take your much-loved old TV, computer or favourite fridge, at a place near you, click here. Oh and hey, you can donate your old phone too; just click here.

Tuesday, 7 May 2013

Community Grants

Like some money for your favourite project? Here are two fresh opportunities to get some.

The Keep Australia Beautiful Beverage Container Recycling Grants  for local communities wishing to improve beverage container recycling at for one/off public events or occasions. The focus is on:

  • recycling away from home
  • practical projects that leave a legacy
  • projects that don’t duplicate existing recycling activities
  • projects that result in measurable volumes of recycled materials

Last year they awarded grants for cleaning up shorelines, community education, Council projects and more. Grants are for up to $10,000. The total available is over $400,000.

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The RAC Grass Roots Grants provides up to $2,000 to not-for-profit community groups to support initiatives that will have a positive impact and strengthen local communities. The RAC will support initiatives where there is an opportunity to raise awareness or educate the community on ways to deliver a better world of mobility. Applications close on 20 May, 5 August and 28 October 2013

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Got some ideas? Like to connect with others to make a project happen? Click on Comments, below, or email me.