TALKING TRASH: I THINK I CAN...I THINK I CAN...RECYCLE

Those of us who still hold on to favorite things from childhood will immediately remember this famous line from "The Little Engine That Could" followed at the end of a successful trip up the mountain by the powerful conclusion, "I thought I could. I thought I could!" The pride that the listener/reader feels for all of that positive effort, can also be felt as newcomers to the habit of reusing and recycling feel success for their efforts.

In an age of high-tech, compound-complex, conglomerated, newly coined words, one needs to stop once in awhile to pay homage to the simple one-syllable words in our vocabularies, that throughout the years have collected multiple meanings. Today, we pay tribute to "can." Such a small word at first glimpse. But as a variety of usages are applied, it carries a heavy load. From Toddlerhood throughout our lifetime of learning and growing, if we learn that we can -- that we are capable of mastering new skills -- our self-esteem flourishes. Every can't has a negative effect. "I can learn!" "I can button, tie, and zip!" "I can read!" "I can be happy!" "I can love again!" "I can walk/talk again!" Powerful!

Other uses of can include: "Kick the can," "'Gotta sit on the can," "Can I? v. May I?" "canned laughter," "Open a can of worms," "Doin' the can-can," "can it!" "Get canned from your job)," "Tin can," "Aluminum can," and finally, the title of this column today. Every beginning reader soon discovers that can is a member of the "-an" word family. Can also represents hundreds of words of the CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) variety -- those little/big words that make learning to read possible and even fun!

Honestly, I should write a book on all of the reuses for cans with kids! While remembering our sanitation rule of washing thoroughly the items that we reuse for projects, there is one safety must with cans. When you open the can, remove the entire lid and do not use it, obviously because of sharp edges.

However, there's also a jagged point just inside of the can where it disconnected. Please take the time to pound this down! It only takes a second, but better safe than sorry! With aluminum beverage cans, remove the fliptop (save) and tape over the opening. Many of the ideas that follow have been around since the creation of cans. However, those of you that are new to reusing as a way of recycling, may find them helpful.

1. Drain the fat after cooking hamburger, into a can. Let solidify.

2. A tuna can with baking soda set in your fridge helps absorb food odors. Is a full box really necessary?! This same size can is great for mixing tempera paint in -- any leftover paint can be covered and diluted the following day as water color paint. Use a can of water to wash brushes.

3. Save a variety of can sizes, cover with contact paper and use as nesting cans for toddlers and up. If the cans have plastic lids, they can be used for tower building. Save many cans of the same size and pyramid building can evolve.

4. Make "Romper-Stompers" with large juice cans. Completely open one end. In the other, poke two holes with an opener and string clothesline or macrame cord through the holes. Pull up and tie at a just-right length for your child to pull up tight while stomping.

5. Cover smallish cans with decorative paper (wallpaper, contact, construction paper, or newspaper) and use as a vase. Add a ribbon & flowers, voila -- a child-made centerpiece for your family's enjoyment!

6. By filling the bottom of a coffee can with concrete, cover, decorate with ribbon, lace, and buttons, a child can create a neat doorstop.

7. Using aluminum cans with the flip tab attached, string them on a rope or cord to create a garland-effect. While camping, we've strung them from limb to limb -- much counting has ensued as well as musical compositions created!

8. Crushing aluminum cans by stomping, has proven to be an excellent outlet for any frustrated human. Channeling negative energies into positive action! I can buy that, can you? Playing "Kick the can" produces the same outcome.

Enough to get you started? The time is now! Get off your can and start saving those cans for reuse. We can make a difference in our environment by recycling! Happy canning!"

Care to share an idea with us? Just send it in to "Ms. Kaye," Southeast Missourian, P.O. Box 699, Cape Girardeau, Mo., 63701.