Waste not, want not (From Gazette & Herald)

Waste not, want not

I'VE always been a believer in the old adage "Waste not, want not", which explains why I have so much rubbish saved up which "might come in useful", but this week's delivery of a Blue Bag whilst not fitting in with that saying in its original context, does in fact mean that used paper can have a new lease of life which is vital for this planet.

I remember the war-time days when almost everything, once used, had chance of being used again. I suppose, if one gives thought to it, just about everything could be recycled, but today we have the problem of economics and so we go on using raw materials which can't last forever.

As a regular paper saver, which involved a frequent visit to the paper bank, I was often curious about the cautionary notice "no envelopes". I'd wondered but never actually queried it, but now seeing it printed on my new blue bag, along with an information phone number, I called it. I had thought that the reason could possibly be that the plastic used on window envelopes wouldn't mix with the paper mulching process, but the helpful young lady at Ryedale who's obviously had this question asked a thousand times, had a ready answer and was able to tell me without hesitation that it was the glue which held the envelopes together and on the flap, which caused the problem.

Whilst I didn't delve further into this, I assume that had it been but a few years ago, the water soluble glue which used to be used would have just "mixed in", but as today's products are almost all fastened together with latex glues, which is a pretty insoluble product, then the thousands of used envelopes would soon cause a gumming-up of the works. I believe this matter is being looked into as a large proportion of waste paper is envelopes. Meanwhile, the blue bag will save a trip to the tip. Great!

You will all have noticed today's expression "in store". This without doubt originated in the supermarkets, and is a lazy way of saying "in the store". I notice that the coloured folder which comes through my door each week uses these two words with regularity, but there are subtle differences. Some businesses hyphenate them so that we see "in-store". I have yet to see it used as one word as "instore" but I expect it will get there eventually and in such ways does our English language get changed, mutilated or whatever you like to call it, by the addition of new words. A local main street bank just had to go along this path and a notice in the foyer beseeches customers to inquire "in branch" - I expect they feel they are being modern.

Telephone conversation with a multi-national bank this week. She: "What are your initials please?" Me: "Dee Aitch." She: "Dee Haitch". Me: "No. Dee Aitch." She: "How do you spell it". Me: "A I T C H". She: "Is that your second name?" Me: "No. It's my second initial". She: "Haitch." Me: "There's no aitch in aitch." SILENCE. She: "So it's Dee Haitch." Me: (Knowing when I'm beaten) "Yes"!

This is a somewhat shortened version of the conversation which I've had many times with different organisations. I blame it on the teachers of course for pressing home, "Don't forget to sound your aitches," and then failing to qualify the exception.

Watching the sorry attempts at kerbside parking in Malton's main street just makes me wonder how people pass their tests. A car approaches a parking space, long enough for an artic almost, and the small car will, without fail, mount the pavement before coming to a halt. The other car space situation is where the space is a little bit smaller and once again, rather than reverse into it with ease, a forward approach is attempted, and often abandoned, and once again I blame the teachers of driving for not giving enough time to this important aspect of road safety and of course the drivers for taking the 'easy' way out.

From my own experience I know you don't always 'win' first time, and have to have a second attempt if the space is just that bit tighter than you had estimated, but other motorists seem to be very tolerant that it never seems a worry. What is a worry are the old dears who actually see you reversing in, and cross the road, running in between the two cars as the space between them is narrowing, and risk their well-being by so doing, especially as they are usually on your "blind" quarter. It takes everyone to make road safety work doesn't it!

It seems that not everyone has tasted the delights of a crisp sarnie, or perhaps they are looked on as a bit "infra dig", but believe me they can be a very pleasant savoury snack, just when you're wondering "What shall I have?". Take two thinnish slices of your favourite bread, butter or spread as you will, cover one with whatever crisps you have - even the ones you're not so fond of become tasty suddenly - lay the second slice on top and press gently down, and hear the lovely crackling sound as the crisps break to fill the spaces. Slice into whatever size is your favourite and enjoy. You will!

There is no love sincerer than the love of food". (Man and Superman, G B Shaw 1856-1950).

Updated: 11:22 Thursday, April 25, 2002