live from sublurbia

I grew up in the desert, and if there was ever anything slimy on the ground (rare) it was usually a good thing and we were to leave it be. Or help it to the shade.

Slimy usually meant earthworms – and earthworms are our friends. As well as good fishing bait.

Walking the kids to school yesterday, I saw a strange and creepy slimy thing. As we’ve had enough ickies in the house, I let it be, merely pointing it out for a quick science lesson, then popped home to see what it was. Long, striped, with a spade-shaped head (hammer head). Land Planairian, I know for next time, squish it dead. I ran back with a cup of microwaved water, but it had left the sidewalk by the time I got there.

But I know for next time, no good can come of them.

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So friends and family (originally linked to me from the Feminist Breeder’s FaceBook wall) have been passing around this particular Toys R Us link for trading up old baby stuff for new.

A great idea to encourage turning over of stuff that’s just not safe after a while – strollers, cribs, baby seats, carseats. A 25% discount is not a bad deal, either. Sure you can surf for coupons or save up points or wait until the kid is 47.95 inches tall to get her a more height-appropriate carseat, or you can take this easy trade up discount and go.

I’m going. Well, maybe one of my carseats is. I don’t actually need any new carseats, or strollers, or anything else. My eldest is well enmeshed in school and my youngest is itching to go. We’ve gone through and rid ourselves of nearly every infant- and toddler-safe toy in the house. So I’ll turn in my beloved Fisher Price Safe Embrace and ensure it will be disposed of safely and properly.

The last time I tried to get rid of one of those, I was adamant that I destroy it enough that it wouldn’t be reused. I slashed all of the buckles, and took a sledgehammer to it. It was TOUGH. Tougher than I, though a couple dozen sledgehammer hits later, we had a good, visible crack in the shell.

This time I let it sit in the garage, passed over every time we did a clean out. Every time I’d remember it was there, I’d forget to find out where to get it destroyed safely. But this is a great opportunity. Take in the carseat, and ensure it’s destroyed by someone responsible (Toys R Us). We have local fire stations that do inspections, but I’m not sure they handle destruction. And all of them are already rather busy with fires and as gathering points for Haiti relief efforts.

Thanks to TRU – sure it’s a marketing ploy, but it certainly can’t hurt to get some of this older gear OUT.

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Speaking of disposable diapers, head on over to Pittsburgh Mom to read my guest post: tips on shopping for disposable diapers.

Thanks, Heather*, and good luck on the Diaper Drive!

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