I Just Called CSCRC! Let's See If It Works!

I just emailed the California Shopping Cart Retrieval Corporation. There is an unsightly Long's Drugs green plastic shopping cart dumped and abandoned in front of my house. Let's see how long it takes for the pick-up to happen. The CSCRC doesn't just pick up any cart. It needs to be one of their retailers. I checked...Long's Drugs is listed..fingers crossed!

No Robertson Strip Club!

Get your sign HERE! You can print it out from the website: NoRobertsonStripClub.com
It's a shame there is a strip club so close to a high school. I was exiting the 10 freeway the other day and noticed a temporary sign located on an old meat market exterior. The sign said, "SKIN". I was disgusted. I was really upset because the neighborhood of South Robertson has made great strides the last 5 years cleaning up the area. The businesses are have cleaned up their exteriors, which means great pride has been taken to improve the look of SORO.
Print out the sign and place it in your window. You can also donate to the cause HERE and receive a sign for your yard.

B.Y.O.B.-A Day Without a (Disposable) Bag

Good information from 888CleanLA.com. On Thursday, December 20th, 2007, at participating retail locations, they will be giving away free reusable tote bag. You will receive education on how you can take part in saving the environment by reducing the usage of plastic bags. Retailers have not been listed yet. Check the link above for more information.

If you like this reusable shopping tote, you can find it at Quirky Turkey. This design is located on the back of the bag with the front having another image. Fun Stuff!

LADWP Will Give You Free Trees!

The LADWP will give you free shade trees under their "Trees for a Green LA" program. There are three steps to getting your free trees.

1. Complete an online workshop (link is on their website HERE)
2. Submit your completed tree order and site plan
3. LA DWP will deliver the trees to your home, you plant them yourself

There is also a non-residential tree program for apartment dwellers and Home Owners Associations. Click HERE for more info.

I had no idea this was in action. They probably put it in your bill every month. If I was a homeowner, I would definitely take advantage of this. For apartment renters and Home Owner's Associations, you have to have a licensed contractor involved....not so easy....

Recycle Your Christmas Tree!

It's that time of year! We all know what a nuisance those Christmas trees are when we're done with them. Here's some information on what you can do:

• Recycle your tree by cutting and placing it in your green yard trimmings container
• If you don't have one of these containers, you can drop it off at one of the locations listed HERE
  
• Remember to remove all decorations-lights,tinsel,ornaments,etc.
• Drop off dates are only for one weekend this year, January 5th and January 6th 2007, from 9 am to 4pm.
  
• Residents that drop off their trees to the drop off locations will receive seedlings and energy efficient florescent light bulbs, while supplies last, courtesy of the LA Department of Water and Power.
• Fire stations will not be giving out seedlings or florescent light bulbs.
• Call 311 for more information from December 1, 2007-January 31, 2008

*Please inform your neighbors. If you see them dumping them on the front sidewalks or dumpsters, give them the information. You can also print out a PDF version of the list on the link listed above.

Cart Bike, Anyone?

Ok. This is not for everyone, but if you've got the moxie and the cart has no name.....
Found this on Idealist. Credit to Zieak.
Wonder how it corners?

How to Make Your Own Shopping Cart Locker

Pretty clever stuff from the website Instructables if you have the know how!

The "EMP Shopping Cart Locker", here's their disclaimer:

"Disclaimer: This is not an easy project. It will require knowledge of circuits, soldering, social engineering, and a tiny bit of PIC microcontroller stuff. High power is involved, and if you mess up, you might get burned, caught on fire, or arrested-- most likely all three. Always use an appropriate amperage fuse to prevent a short from becoming a much bigger problem. This project is also fairly expensive. The parts will cost about 65 bucks. Batteries with some kick will run 20-30 bucks, and a single PCB is about 60 bucks. They get a lot cheaper if you buy multiples for your friends."

The "Shopping Cart Locker THE EASY WAY (Improved Range)" is a no frills method and can work in a store and outside/anywhere! Or, why not use the "James Bond Style Cart Locker" These methods and the one above require the carts to already have the stopping device on the wheels.
Or, you can try the "Portable Shopping Cart Locking Force Field of Doom". Here you can make a force field around you to protect yourself from carts.

I don't think you should put the law in your own hands, but it's definitely entertaining to read!