Recycled for Dad

Father's Day is just around the corner so if you’re fed up with giving Dad the usual socks, books and uninspired CDs, I'll be posting a few ideas that you can easily make from stuff you've probably got around the house. Although you may have to buy some bits and pieces to complete a few of the projects, try to use whatever you already have on hand or what you can scrounge up. I'll bet Pop will be chuffed to get something that's different and environmentally friendly, to boot

One of the easiest projects is a dumbbell made from recycling unused and unwanted CDs. It's so easy to make these. If you don't have enough, scrounge some up from neighbours and friends.

To make a 5-lb dumbbell, you'll need 50 CDs, a 12" threaded rod (about 2 bucks at your local hardware store), four nuts and four spacers that will fit the rod. Thread a spacer and one nut about 6" from each end. Then add 25 CDs to each side of the rod. Keep the CDs in place with the other nuts and spacers. That's it--now Dad has no excuses for not exercising!! Cost: Approx. $7. for the rod, spacers and nuts.

To ensure Dad keeps track of his appointments, why not recycle those empty CD jewel cases and transform these as holders for a calendar. Just print out and cut the calendar to fit inside the case, then all you do is remove the CD and slip the photo or calendar inside. These also make great instant photo frames. Cost: $0.

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