Spend More Time Talking and Less Time Trashing by Maggie Reed on Creators.com

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Spend More Time Talking and Less Time Trashing

When you have a party or event going on, you don't want to spend time figuring out where to properly toss the trash. Flings recycling and trash containers are convenient, portable, compact bins that snap open accordion-style to roughly the size of a tall kitchen bin. With a 13-gallon capacity, they are designed to make it easier to keep recycling and trash separate and promote recycling.

Most solutions up to now have included trash bags hanging around willy-nilly. Plus, they are usually unattractive and messy. Developers of Flings containers found there was a need for a remedy.

"In our research, consumers told us that they had no good solutions for managing at gatherings around the home or away from the home … just dirty old trash cans or a bag hung over a doorknob or on a fence," said Vandy Van Wagener, vice president of TrashCo Inc.

Flings decorative containers are easy to store and set up, simple to throw away and can be set in numerous spots. At most gatherings, recyclables typically end up getting mixed with the trash, or just tossed aside. Flings recycling and trash containers are respectively marked to help guests do their part.

The idea came from inventor Ed Austin, who came up with the consumer insight of "surge trash" situations — where traditional bags and bins are used less when out of proximity of primary trash receptacles. TrashCo Inc. teamed up with Austin to evolve the prototypes, and Flings containers were the result.

Trash containers may be thrown into trash bins. Flings recycling containers can be placed into a regular recycling bin, or you can just dump out the contents and reuse the container. The recycling containers hold up to 60 cans or bottles.

Flings are available in four colors and designs, and more are in the works.

Retail price is $3 to $4, depending on quantities. For more information, call 303-991-1863 or visit www.flingsbin.com.

PUCKER UP

It may sound a bit hard to swallow, but Bob's Pickle Pops pickle juice treats are growing in popularity. Packaged frozen treats, Bob's Pickle Pops are made not from just the brine leftover from the pickling, but also from freshly squeezed pickles … think orange or apple juice.

In fact, the USDA granted Bob's Pickle Pops the thumbs-up to distribute them to schools across the country.

"We use 100 percent of the pickle," said co-founder David Millar. "We realize it is hard to imagine that someone thought of the idea of creating a frozen treat made from pickle juice, but once people try them they are hooked."

John Howard, owner of the Outerskate roller skating rink and arcade in Sequin, Texas, created the product. He has been freezing pickle juice for the kids and the adults and sells out every night. Surprised by the sales, he ended up marketing the idea. The company is also looking into creating other flavors, including Spicy Pickle Pops.

Available in packages of 20, 40, 60, 80 and 120, Bob's Pickle Pops range in price from $20 to $60, including shipping.

For more information, call 877-245-6682 or visit www.bobspicklepops.com.

Readers, if you have discovered any nifty home products out there, let me know and I will pass them along.

Maggie Reed may be reached at trocar2000@hotmail.com. To find out more about Maggie Reed and other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com.