#Bin Linners

[greenissweeter]

Waste Consumption Journal

For the past week I’ve been tracking my waste, what I’m using and getting rid of, and where I’m throwing it (in recycling or waste). To contextualize some things, I don’t compost presently, but at the start of this journal, I wasn’t even sure how I’d go about doing so in an apartment or where my compost could go. My apartment complex doesn’t collect what Montreal calls “Brown Bins” (Food Waste, 2021). Moving forward I’d like to ask apartment staff about this or investigate more public resources for composting.

Another thing worth noting is that like many people my age, the thing I’m consuming most on the day-to-day is technology use. Perhaps dislike people my age however, it’s not all on social media- where I have generally low presence, but rather on games, reading articles, and navigating coursework. But I do spend, on average, ~16 hours a day on or around a computer. Tracking this and the nuance of what I was doing seemed a bit daunting and didn’t seem like a good choice because this week was particularly busy with zoom group assignments and long readings- so if I were to repeat this assignment it would be when my classes are predominantly in person (not online), or outside of the school semester.

(My computer uptime at the time of writing this post, 4 Days, 18 Hours, 42 Minutes, and 21 seconds since I last restarted my computer.) The journal begins below, not my dates are a little bit strange because my daily schedule is shifted 6 hours from the average person, making ‘dinners’ often eaten in the early hours of the following day. For ease of following a daily narrative, I begin new days with sleep. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

November 2, 2021:

Breakfast (14:30): Cereal with milk, instant coffee with some pumpkin spice latte creamer - nothing to throw away from this meal.

(18:00) Mask thrown away and replaced (can these be recycled? I’ve been wondering for a few weeks now)

Dinner (1:00): “Hungry Man” frozen dinner. Plastic film thrown away, box and plastic tray (cleaned) recycled.

Summary:

Trashed: Mask, plastic film

Recycled: Frozen dinner box, frozen dinner tray

Reflection: I researched mask recycling in Montreal, and Concordia University actually has several locations on campus here I can dispose of masks with the intent to recycle them. They are partnered with the group, MultiRecycle and have seven different buildings with recycling locations (Procedure mask recycling, 2021). I need only go to one of these buildings on my way to class to recycle my old mask before replacing it. I’ll do this next week.

(An example of one of Concordia's mask recycling spots.)

November 3, 2021:

Breakfast (8:00): Cereal with milk

Lunch (20:00): Cereal with milk, Yop yogurt drink (cleaned) recycled, doctor prescribed Vitamin D

Dinner (4:00): Box of Kraft Mac n Cheese, box recycled,cheese seasoning packet thrown away.

Additional: Toilet paper roll recycled.

Summary:

Trashed: Internally coated cheese packet

Recycled: Yop container, food box, toilet paper roll

Reflection: This was an abnormal day for me. I woke up really early for me, then took a mid-day, extra long nap after doing some work. I took medicine with my Yop, with which I also supplement my fruit servings. I made dinner and made sure that the cheese packaging couldn’t be recycled- it couldn’t be due to the silver lining on the inside. The left overs of my food were preserved in take-out containers I received months ago.

(Kraft Mac n Cheese for dinner.)

November 4, 2021:

Brunch (15:30): Bear naked granola packaging recycled, instant coffee

Linner (21:45): Left over mac n cheese & some sour cream and cheddar flavored chips. No waste.

Summary:

Trashed: None

Recycled: Granola packaging

Reflection: I didn’t have much waste to dispose of this day, just the last of my granola packaging.

November 5, 2021 (My Birthday):

Breakfast (10:00): Tim Horton’s Breakfast Wrap, cardboard wrapper half thrown away (greasy), half recycled(non-greasy). Coffee cup thrown away, coffee cup sleeve recycled.

Cake: Bought an individual cake from IGA, the outer protective plastic was thrown away, the wax paper under the cake was also thrown away. The box it came in was recycled.

Dinner (19:00): Dinner ordered from a Japanese Restaurant: Throw away used napkin, chopsticks, and plastic spoon. Recycle the plastic wrapper, paper from the chopsticks, and the cleaned bowl and lid from the food. Also, the bag the food was delivered in was recycled.

Post-dinner (2:00): Ate the last bits of mac n cheese leftovers.

Summary:

Trashed: Breakfast wrap cardboard (1/2), coffee cup, waxed plastic with food waste, wax pastry paper, used napkin, chopsticks, and plastic spoon.

Recycled: Breakfast wrap cardboard (1/2), coffee cup sleeve, cake box, plastic utensils wrapper, chopstick wrapping paper, cleaned delivery bowl and lid, and bag of food delivery

Reflection: As expected, I had quite a lot of waste from this day. I could have mitigated some of this waste by eating more at home. I asked the delivery service not to include utensils, but they did anyway. I could have opted not to use what was included, but I don’t like stocking up on plasticware either. In the future I can look into more sustainable options for cake resources too.

(Tim Horton's Breakfast Wrap, Coffee, and cake box in the background.)

(The Rocher cake I purchased from IGA. feat. waxy plastic and wax paper.)

(Unagi rice bowl I purchased from Nagomi- it was delicious!)

November 6, 2021:

Breakfast (10:00): Cereal with milk – I refill my milk container.

Lunch (19:00): Black Forest ham sandwich with cheddar cheese slice, I throw away the wax paper and plastic cling that the meat had been wrapped in, I didn’t finish the cheddar cheese packaging (though it is recyclable).

Dinner (3:45): Frozen Pizza, throw away the plastic cling film over the pizza, recycle the box because it’s not greasy and has had no food contact.

Refill milk container, can I recycle my milk bag? (No not here it doesn’t seem like)

Summary:

Trashed: ham wax paper and plastic cling, pizza plastic cling, milk bag (see reflection)

Recycled: frozen pizza box

Reflection: When I finished my breakfast, I needed to refill my milk jug. I wondered since coming to Montreal and shifting to using bagged milk if these bags could be recycled or not. I researched this and found that only the overwrap packaging from bags of milk could be recycled in my area (Get details about recycling collections, 2021). I also didn’t eat the entirety of my frozen pizza at dinner time, so I put the rest in a reusable bag for later.

(Frozen pizza after baking it, plastic was thrown away, but the box can be recycled.)

November 7, 2021:

Breakfast (12:00): Cereal with milk, yop recycled

Dinner (4:00): Pizza leftovers, the bag is reusable.

Summary:

Trashed: None

Recycled: Yop container

Reflection: I was very busy with a group project this day which consumed most of my time, including offsetting my eating hours. I ate simple left-overs with minimal waste.

November 8, 2021:

Breakfast (13:00): Cereal with milk, coffee with pumpkin spice latte creamer (bottle recycled) Box from cereal recycled, bag from cereal recycled.

Box from cereal recycled

Bag from cereal thrown away

Plastic out wrap from creamer recycled

Plastic container from creamer thrown away* recycled**

Dinner (3:30): Bistro crustini frozen food, plastic overwrap thrown away, cooking sleeve thrown away

Summary:

Trashed: Cereal bag, frozen food plastic overwrap, frozen food cooking sleeve (with silver coating)

Recycled: Cereal box, plastic outer wrapping from creamer container, plastic creamer container

Reflection: Initially when I finished my creamer, I thought that I would only be able to recycle the outer packaging of the bottle, because dairy had been inside of the bottle. To my surprise however, when I looked up whether the bottle could still be recycled, the plastic #2 that it was labelled with can still be recycled in my area so long as it is cleaned out. This meant that I was able to take something I was originally going to put in a landfill and recycle it instead.

Miscellaneous Waste:

The following is waste from throughout the week:

Trashed: Nail clippings, a wetmop changeable mop head, hair from a hairbrush, loose strings from some new sheets

Recycled: Store ads from my mailbox

Additional note: I’ve been using the same Qtip since Wednesday (November 3rd) to clean beneath/around my keyboard keys. Eventually this will have to be changed out with another one.

General Thoughts:

This is an interesting assignment for me because I don't usually think a lot about what I eat, when I eat, or how my waste is handled after I dispose of it. Since coming to Montreal I have encountered a few ponderous quandaries, like whether or not I can recycle my milk bags, but had mostly made flippant decisions to or not to recycle, without putting in the effort to research the accurate answer. How am I influenced by what I see to respond to recycling?: I actually don't see a lot of markers in favour of recycling, but having lived in countries with much stricter rules, and much more overt signage has made me more predisposed to at least trying to accurately sort my trash by standards I have followed before. The signage in my apartment complex is from 2016, and based on Montreal's website, is out-dated for what the recycling service can actually recycle. A couple weeks before this assignment I saw an advertisement for an in-home composter called Lomi, and while it peaked my interest as a compact, in-kitchen device, it's priced at a steep $500, not fully shipping out yet, and can take a full day to break down components. Beyond that, I don't keep a garden or plants, so I would have no-where to put my end-result compost. I think this is an inventive idea, and one I'd be interested in in the future, but not something I can commit to right now in my 19th floor apartment with a kitchen the size of my wingspan. I do however think I'm a bit abnormal in this assignment. I don't go out much, I don't eat out much, and I don't mind having lots of simple meals that can be last me longer periods of time from a singular packaged product (cereal and milk is my number one listed meal above). I'd like to shift my patterns even closer to self-meal preparation, but time limitations make it difficult for me to dedicate my hours this way currently. Once again, I think this would be fascinating to recreate when I'm not presently taking classes. How can this help others?: I think journaling is in general a wonderful reflective tool. Being forced to, and indeed sometimes aggravated by the necessity of notating what you're doing draws attention to behavioural form. Children can benefit from journaling in conjunction with peer discussion, and classroom discussion about what they notice in their journals on consumption. The beauty of this assignment was the freedom to notice an area of our choosing. After engaging with articles about waste, about consumerism, and about the effects of man on the planet, reflection is the perfect antidote to worrying about "am I doing enough," or "am I doing what I think I'm doing to do my part." I would accountability is paramount in discussions regarding ecological preservation and responsible waste management, and individual accountability is just as valuable as holding corporations and big wasters accountable as well.

Absent from my approach?: I don't actually pay much attention to what is local and what is not. This is a huge area of growth for me and something I'm looking to expand on personally going forward. This week didn't involve any grocery shopping, and next week won't either, personally. But two weeks from now, I can certainly as an individual do more research in finding locally sourced food, or purchasing from services that provide cereal/granola in a "bring-your-own container" scheme, to reduce what I am recycling and throwing away to an even lower amount. As an additional aside, it might help to realign my sleep schedule out of my night-shift normalcy, though it does often come to my aid in dissuading any temptations to eat out when dinner time is past the time most restaurants are open.

Click below the break for some references I used!

References:

Food Waste. Food Waste. (Montreal). Retrieved November 8, 2021, from https://montreal.ca/en/topics/food-waste

Get details about recycling collections. (Montreal). Retrieved November 6, 2021, from https://montreal.ca/en/how-to/get-details-about-recycling-collections

Procedure mask recycling. (2021). Concordia University. Retrieved November 2, 2021, from https://www.concordia.ca/

[spongeguyandlelouchvibridankia]

Iron Son Fanfic

@incorrect-spiderson

“Yes, Midtown High, it’s that time of the year again! Christmas is finally here!”, Betty Brant, one half of the Midtown High news anchors, delivered in her usual slightly peppy monotone.

 “Yes, Merry Christmas to one and all! Especially you, Betty.”, Jason Ionello, the other, less intelligent half, expressed his unrequited crush.

 “Jason, I swear, there will be nothing in your stocking but suffering and regret if you don’t BACK OFF…”

 A “We’re Having Technical Difficulties” screen flashed on the monitor, and below it, the real action began…

 “I have a plan.”

 Sitting at study hall, an aquamarine-turquoise tinted room surrounded with cheesy Walmart bargain bin Christmas decorations and only slightly less cheesy self made kindergarten ones, Peter Parker and Ned Leeds found themselves going over a plan way harder than fighting The Vulture or acing their fitness examinations.

 In fact, this was to be Peter Parker’s greatest challenge yet!

 “Ok, so Christmas is any minute here, and I still don’t have a present for Mr. Stark, right?”

 STAKES!

 Ned, nodding his head, motioned for Peter to keep talking.

 Peter’s soft and blue “Oh Geometree” sweater kept him warm as he continued explaining, the words tumbling out rapidly.

 He was clearly every excited, but not in the good way, more like a toddler when his birthday is coming up and he’s going to laugh or cry any minute now.

 He was on edge, and he was worried; and with Peter Parker, this usually meant trouble.

 “Right, so, I’m thinking, “What can you get for the man who has everything?” and I was thinking…”

 “Money! Money’s the answer!”, Ned suddenly pointed enthusiastically, glad that he solved the problem.

 He always looked jolly, but his “Santa riding a shark” sweater somehow added to that.

 “…Ned, Mr. Stark is rich.”

 “So? Rich people want more money! Have you learned nothing from Monopoly?”

 “Apparently he also learned nothing from history class.”, Michelle suddenly chimed in, causing Peter to jump and let out a little gasp.

 As ever, Michelle refused to live by society’s rules: She wore no sweater, instead choosing to flaunt a winter coat that hid her hair, but not her face, which was apparently doing something to Peter, why, he was blushing immensely!

 Trying to look cool by leaning on his hand with his face (and failing by falling on the table), Peter “tried” (emphasis on “tried”) to greet her.

 “MJ! What are you, what are you, what are you doing here?”

 Michelle barely responded to the greeting, a dry expression on her face.

 If she was feeling as flustered as Peter, she was clearly not showing it.

 “What are you two losers doing?”, she asked, leaning on the wall, a “Don’t refund gifts, Children!” poster behind her.

 Ned, turning his face around to answer her quarry, pointed at Peter.

 “He’s buying a gift for Iro…”

 Ned suddenly shouted out in pain, because a well timed kick to the shin stopped Ned from screwing up continuity.

 “I mean… Peter’s buying a gift for a family friend, and he’s not sure what to get him because this guy is like, loaded.”

 “I mean…”, Peter started, Michelle raising an eyebrow in mild interest. “It’s just a gift.”

 “Peter’s getting all nervous about it.”

 “He’s just a friend.”

 “He’s been wracking his brain about it for months.”

 “Honestly, I doubt I’d lose much sleep over it.”

 “I caught him crying about it at Spanish.”

 “Shut up, dude!”, Peter said, annoyed, but Michelle was already beginning to walk out.

 “Ok, well, you can keep crying if you want, but if I were you (and thankfully, I’m not), if I wanted to get something for someone, I’d check out Lee’s store, the one near Delmars.”

 She almost left the room, Peter still feeling her presence, as she said “He’s got surprisingly lenient prices, even on Christmas.”

 She then suddenly walked back in, a less confident than usual look on her face.

 Gone was the smug smirk, replaced with a sort of anxiousness in her eyes.

 “Not that I care about your stupid problems or anything. Just… Just some helpful advice.”

 She almost blushed, before ducking out and hiding behind the wall, listening in, a strand of her hair on her nose and another near her ear.

 Peter got up, a sense of urgency in his heart, and, high fiving Ned without even looking, began his journey towards Lee’s.

 His confidence swelled and his resolve strengthened as his footsteps echoed down the halls, his eyes shining as they always did when he did the right thing.

 The confident smile was momentarily replaced by a shy one as he whispered to himself on the way out (not knowing she was there) “Merry Christmas, MJ…”

 Another thing he didn’t notice? Michelle’s soft and small smile as she whispered…

 “Merry Christmas, Tiger…”

             The sky was clear.

 For now.

 He looked back, just for a second, to make sure he didn’t miss anything.

 If what had been haunting him for 4 years wasn’t out there.

 And it wasn’t.

 …For now.

 “Mr. Stark?”

 Turning around, after one last side glance, Tony Stark finally put all his attention onto the woman before him, the brown interior of the living room, filled with couches, plants, and close to a mini kitchen, giving off a more comfortable vibe than there actually was.

 Feeling that ever sore left arm, and pretending that all was right with him, as per usual, Tony walked past a photograph of Steve Rogers and sat down on the armchair in front of his conflicted guest.

 “I see that the spider doesn’t fall far from the web. He calls me that all the time.”

 “Have you tried to correct him?”

 A voice rang out from a different room, mechanical yet authentic, with a warm glow to it. “I’ve heard him try 232 times, and that’s only all the times I’ve been around them.”

 “Vision!”, Tony called out in a humorously scolding tone. “What did I say about listening in?”

 “…Not to do it. But I was just answering a quarry, Mr. Stark.”

 Tony shook his head, smiling to himself, before looking again at May Parker. “So…”

 He repositioned to make himself comfortable, but it didn’t help: No matter how he sat, he couldn’t rest.

 Still, the least he could get from this is a straight answer.

 Sighing, he locked eyes with his guest. “…What do you think?”

 May Parker bit her lip, never more unsure of anything her entire life.

 For the last 11 years she had raised the boy as well as she could (with help for most of those from Ben), and as he had grown up with her, she had grown too; grown to see him as her son, in a way.

 Her Peter.

 The little genius who was always getting picked on.

 The shy kid who helped whenever he could.

 And now the hero of an entire city, keeping everyone safe from maniacal criminals.

 She wasn’t all too happy at first with Peter’s superhero life; In fact, she had very much considered banning it.

 But after a long and quiet discussion with him and his admittedly more trustworthy than she thought mentor, she had relented (even quite happily), and allowed him to continue doing his thing, provided he was more careful.

 And he was, so there was that!

 But just because May had grown to accept her odd life did not make this just a little odd.

 No, scratch that, it was not odd: It was just a lot to think about.

 “Look, Mr. St… Tony…”

 She didn’t want to say no, but she wasn’t sure if yes was the right answer: There was so much to think about, and not much time left.

 “I’m sorry I took so long to ask, and especially today.”, Tony said, as if he was reading her mind.

 “Could he do that?”, she thought, and for a second, she was convinced, but then she reasoned that he wasn’t THAT kind of billionaire.

 “I mean, I would have asked sooner, but I’m just so busy not dying, and I didn’t see you in the supermarket, and I’m not a member of your book club, so you see how it slipped.”

 “Uh huh. And this isn’t because the great Tony Stark was afraid of asking someone something that personal?”

 “…I threw a nuke into a wormhole. You’d be surprised how easy that is compared to this.”

 May couldn’t help but warmly chuckle before adding “I actually wouldn’t.”

 She looked down for a moment. “I… In a way, I had to do that too. So I know why this was hard yet important to you.”

 She then smiled at him, a genuine smile, that made Tony feel trusted.

 …How he missed that feeling.

 Instinctively feeling his chest, Tony listened intently as May spoke. “I… I need more time to think.”

 “I’m not saying no!”, she was quick to add. “I just need to make sure that yes is the way to go. For both of us.”

 Tony nodded, truly understanding. “Workshop it. We’ll do… Linner? Dinner’s at your place, so… My people will speak with your people, and…”

 He began to walk out when suddenly Vison walked through the wall, making May shout out and Tony flinch.

 “Mr. Stark, I was wondering if perhaps I could…”

 “JESUS, VISION! I ASKED YOU NOT TO…”

 Tony then realized that that was NOT an inside voice.

 Closing his eyes, hands feeling his forehead, knowing another headache was coming on, Tony took a deep breath and hoped that he could keep it together.

 “…Vision, please tell me why a superbot who has a magic stone in his forehead can’t compute the simple request of “not walking through walls”.”

 “Wanda didn’t mind it…”, Vision said, almost like a guilty child.

 Tony smiled sympathetically and shook his head. “What did you want?”

 Vision pointed at the still startled May and asked “I thought I could be of assistance and keep Ms. Parker occupied. Trust me, it can get quite dull alone in here.”

 Tony wished he could get rid of that problem, but he had such a list, that getting Wanda back was not exactly an option.

 Still, if he could make his friend feel a little less lonely…

 Taking out a chess set, Tony motioned Vision to sit.

 “Don’t beat her too hard, buddy.”

 “I’ll try my best, Mr. Stark, but it’s not exactly in my nature.”, Vision said, a small smile on his red face.

 May nodded as Tony made a “Call me” sign and closed the door.

 “So… Superbot?”

 “A very long story, but super is quite the bragging term, and I’d rather be known for my more human elements.”

 He extended his hand, a polite smile offered too.

 “My name is Vision.”

 “May Parker.”

         Looking outside yet another window, Tony was not surprised that nothing was out there again.

 He was also not surprised by Pepper appearing and caressing his shoulders.

 “Tony…”

 “I’m not worried. You’re not a mind reader, and if you are, then all those worries you detect are fake ones.”

 “I don’t need to read minds to know that you are worried.”

 She rested her head next to his ear.

 “Besides, if anyone is worried, it’s me.”

 “See? Wrong again, Ms. Potts. You’ll never reach double Jeprody like this.”

 A ring glinted in his eyes.

 “I already am. I’m marrying you.”

 “If you can understand the danger in that, then there’s hope for you yet.”

 Pepper sighed as Tony stayed stiff, still looking outside, not looking at her for a second.

 “…Tony, everything will work out. You’ll give Peter your gift, and you’ll stop whatever is in there.”

 She pointed at his head, and Tony smiled.

 She believed in him, after all those years.

 But he could still feel her falling.

 He could still hear her screams.

 Their screams.

 “You could have saved us…”, Steve said.

 “I would have saved her.”, Killian wounds.

 “If you die… That’s on me…”, he reminds Peter.

 “I’m the man who killed the Avengers.” He reminds himself.

 “I’m sorry, Tony…”, Steve says, but is it too late?

 “I’m not the one who needs to watch her back…”, Natasha warns.

 …

 “Why didn’t you do more?”

 Suddenly, he feels him.

 His presence.

 The man who’s behind his suffering.

 The one who’ll destroy earth.

 Tony Stark had to succeed.

 He had to.

 Pepper could feel his shoulders sag, his breath run cold.

 “…You all right?”

 Tony closed his eyes and focused.

 “I help Peter… And I help another person… And I’m that much closer to resting. To finally saving them all.”

 He opened them and lied.

 “…Always.”

            (Electric guitar begins to play “Jingle Bells Rock”)

“Jingle bell, jingle bell, jingle bell rock”

“Jingle bells swing and jingle bells ring”

“Snowin’ and blown’ up bushels of fun”

“Now the jingle hop has begun!”

 Walking down by Delmar’s, Peter had a hard time tearing his eyes off it.

 Queens was awash with lights already, though the midday sun was still up, and all around one could see festivity!

 Santa’s ringing for charity to your left, kids playing in the snow to your right, and smack bang in the middle were smiling men and women, not a frown in sight!

 Peter loved the holidays, so it always warmed his heart to see so many other people enjoy it too.

 “And some of them because of me…”, Peter thought, as he waved at an old woman he once helped who gave him a churro.

 Feeling a little bit warmer, despite not adding a single extra layer of clothing, Peter stepped up to Lee’s store, hoping to find something special for Mr. Stark.

 KNOCK KNOCK!

 “Come in, True Believer!”

 The nice old man voice felt very welcoming, and even more welcoming was the warm insides of the store: Green and red lights merrily lit, a small and cheery tree flashed, Bing Crosby was wishing for a white Christmas, and Peter could swear he smelt…

“Hot chocolate?”

 Peter was so taken by surprise he nearly burnt his hand, but he was lucky enough to taste the drink.

 “Oh, wow! This is amazing!”

 The old man smiled cheerfully from behind his black frame brown lens sunglasses.

 “My wife Joan. She was one heck of a gal!”

 “I bet!”, Peter complimented, savoring the flavor.

 Suddenly, he found a long arm greet him.

 The smile behind it was somehow longer.

 “Welcome to my store, son! What’s your name?”

 Peter happily shook back. He was liking this guy already!

 “Peter Parker, sir!”

 “Glad to meet ya, Peter! My name’s Stan Lee. As in Lee’s Store.”

 Stan walked back to behind his counter, where he sat and sighed contently.

 “Nothing quite like the holiday season, eh?”, he asked nostalgically as Peter admired all the other knick knacks in the store.

 Wonderful decorations of angels and snowmen and reindeer surrounded the store, and everything seemed to twinkle and shimmer and glow.

 Peter’s eyes sparkled as well as he took it all in, leaning his back on the counter.

 “Yeah… Nothing quite like it.”

 Stan then chuckled as he realized he was wasting time.

 “Sorry, kid, I’m holding you up! What do you want to get?”

 Peter was quick to correct him. “Don’t worry, sir! I’m just taking in the view.”

 Stan laughed again, and he joined him.

 “So, who are you buying for? I don’t want you to be late for your family.”

 Peter gulped, remembering the size of his task.

 “Well, you see, it’s for… Well, someone very close to me.”

 “A girl? A boy?”, Stan asked with a wink.

 Peter blushed heavily, thinking of MJ. “What? Nooooo! It’s for a…”

 Peter had never really admitted it to another person before.

 He was barely able to choke it out for May!

 But he had to do this for Mr. Stark, teen embarrassment be damned!

 “…A father figure of sorts.”

 “Ah, I see!

 Stan and Peter kept observing the shelves and Peter continued explaining.

 “I want to get him something special, but you see, he’s rich, so, like, what do you get for him?”

 “That IS a problem…”, Stan agreed, nodding but not looking at the teen.

 “I know, right?”, Peter said, gesticulating. “Anyway, a friend told me that this place has good stuff, so I came here.”

 “Your friend has good taste.”, Stan said, and Peter replied “She sure does…”

“A ha! So there IS a girl!”

 Stan laughed as Peter got flustered. “Ok, there is, but not today! Today is about my…Father figure.”

 “I’m just messing with ya, kid!”, Stan reassured, and he resumed glancing at his store.

 Both men thought all the things at the store were marvelous…

 But none of them had that zing, that UMPH that was so necessary.

 None of them were special ENOUGH.

 Stan was a storeowner, but he was a man of his word.

 He was all about the joy of Christmas, and he knew that he needed to come up with something truly special for this kid.

 “Aw man… What do you get for the man who has everything?”, Peter asked himself in a worried mutter, and Stan realized he might have a solution.

 “…Peter... If I can call you that…”

 “Of course!”

 “Thanks. Well, Peter… What doesn’t he have?”

 Peter blinked in confusion.

 Stan smiled that bright smile of his and explained himself. “No man has everything. In fact, they mostly end up having nothing of true worth. Is there something our rich father figure here doesn’t have?”

 Peter put his brain to good use, and soon came up with an answer.

 “Well, he doesn’t stop working! He never takes any vacations, and trust me, he’s busy!”

 It was what Peter said next that clinched it for Stan. “Man, if I could get him to rest for just a bit… To just feel safe for a moment…”

 He could feel the ticket in his pocket, and a small lump in his throat.

 She would have wanted this.

 She would have done it herself.

 Wiping a tear, Stan cleared his throat. “Her time was up a while ago anyway…”

 Peter stared at him, once again puzzled.

 “And honestly, I’d rather not go on my own. I have all I need here.”

 Peter continued to be confused, until he found a slip of paper in his hand.

 “Here! Give it to your dad.”

 Peter wanted to say “Father figure”, but instead he said “What? Is that…”

 “Tickets to my winter vacation spot in Florida. Lovely this time of year, you know!”

 Peter was flabbergasted, his face a mixture of surprise, shock, and gratitude. “Mr. Lee, I… I can’t take this! That’s your vacation, that must have cost a fortune!”

 “Eh, what’s a fortune when the spirit of giving comes in?”

 Stan nodded as he made sure that Peter’s fist closed around the ticket. “The man’s got money, but no brains, if you described him right. He’ll HAVE to rest now.”

 “But… But what about your trip?”

 “And I’m sure he can pay for you and your family.”

 Peter looked down at his palm, the ticket on it, and he looked back at the beaming man, and he didn’t know what to do.

 “Mr. Lee…”, he finally exhaled. “…Thank you. Really. But… But I can’t take this. It’s not the right thing to do.”

 “Son, I’d rather you had it. I started all this in the spirit of giving! So let me give it to you!”

 “But what can I give you back?”, Peter asked immediately, and the old man smiled warmly and patted his back.

 “Just be kind. That’s all I ask.”

 Peter swallowed his gulp, and nodded slowly. He DID want to make Mr. Stark happy…

 And as he walked out, saying “Thank you” (“You’re welcome, son!”), he realized there was a way to pay back Mr. Lee.

 “Don’t worry, Mr. Lee.”, he thought as he ran back home. “You’ll get a good gift too!”

          Entering the house, Peter opened the door excitedly, not even noticing the silver Audi outside.

 “May, sorry I’m a little late, I was just getting a present for…”

 But Peter was stopped short in his dimly lit yet colorful living room when he saw who was sitting on the couch with a Santa Hat Iron Man sweater and a freshly made cup of hot chocolate.

 “…Mr. Stark?”, Peter asked, half startled half enthused.

 His smile grew wider as Tony greeted him. “Hello there, Mr. Parker. We’ve been waiting.”

 May suddenly walked out of the kitchen, oven mittens on. “Peter!”

 She scooped him up in a hug and kissed his forehead. “I was beginning to get worried!”

 Peter smiled, a little embarrassedly, but he hugged back. “Don’t worry: I’m fine.”

 He then looked at Tony. “Actually, there’s something I need to do…”

 Tony suddenly walked past, surprising Peter. “I too have something to say, Mr. Parker. Would you mind accompanying me outside?”

 May seemed surprisingly emotional suddenly, and Peter could see that there were wet stains around her eyes.

 What could it be that had gotten her so upset?

 At first, Peter just wanted to make her feel better, but she shooed him off, so he went with Tony outside.

    The air was cold, and Peter was shivering a bit, but Tony’s warm hand on his shoulder made it all worth it.

 Looking up at him, Peter felt safe.

 That was something he wasn’t used to.

 Smiling softly down at him, Tony seemed to be holding a folder. “How had he not noticed that?”, Peter wondered.

 “You have NO idea how long it took to get most of this signed, and there’s sort of a long process anyway, but…”

 Peter was now very confused. Signed? Like… A contract?

 Tony finally handed it over, but his hand seemed to be shaking.

 Peter was getting a little worried: What was this all about?

 “…Well, take a look.”

 Peter looked and saw a lot of legal talk.

 “…Skip down to the bottom. That’s where all the important stuff is anyway.”

 Tony seemed to be looking aside as Peter read the inscription.

 “When all is settled, two parties will be considered lawful guardians and parents to Peter Parker: His aunt May Parker and…”

 Peter put the paper down, in shock.

 “…Tony Stark…”, he barely breathed out.

 Tony seemed… Distant.

 “I know it’s not a conventional present, but… I want to protect you. So May and I agreed to a partial adoption, and…”

 Tony was then squeezed by the biggest hug he’d ever received in his life.

 Tears stained his shirt as Peter blubbered out “Thank you, Mr. Stark…”

 Tony patted his back, finally returning the hug. “Of course, kid. Of course.”

 Peter didn’t even know what to say.

 And then, he realized that he forgot something.

 “Oh man!”, he face palmed. “Now my present feels kinda lame compared to yours…”

 “It could never be! Tell me what it is!”, Tony said, trying to be encouraging.

 Peter smiled shyly and dropped the ticket in his hands. “A SUPER kind old man gave me this to give to you. Now you have to rest.”

 Tony would later swear that those weren’t tears but that some fumes got into his eyes, but Peter knew better.

 “And he said you could probably pay for me and May…”

 “And Pep. And probably Rhodey and Vision, but I’d have to ask.”

 Tony suddenly did something truly rare, and he initiated a hug. “Thanks, Pete. This is truly something. I’ll be more than happy to vacation with you and the family.”

 Peter then decided to add one last clause: “But can we also buy one ticket for Mr. Lee, the guy who gave me this? I can’t bare to not give anything back!”

 Tony smiled, proud of… His boy.

 “Of course. I have money to spare, after all!”

 He chuckled. “…You’re a good man, Peter Parker.”

 Father and son smiled at each other, feeling closer than ever before, when suddenly they could hear May calling out for them.

 Arm on Peter’s shoulder, Tony returned to his usual cheerful self. “Come on, now! Let’s not keep the woman who beat Vision at chess and made him cry waiting!”

 As they walked in, Peter suddenly whispered “Merry Christmas… Dad…”

 And Tony, again trying not to cry, but feeling the best he had felt in years, said “Merry Christmas to you too…”

 “…Son…”

[zubairiplastic12]

Exploring the World of Perforated Sheets and Bin Liners: A Guide to Versatile Solutions

Perforated sheets and bin liners are essential tools in various industries, contributing to convenience, efficiency, and functionality in countless applications. From construction and architecture to waste management, these materials play a significant role in modern solutions. This blog dives deep into the world of perforated sheets, their prices, suppliers in Dubai, and the role of bin liners in waste management.

Understanding Perforated Sheets

What Are Perforated Metal Sheets?

Perforated metal sheets panels that feature a series of punched holes, creating patterns of varying shapes and sizes. These sheets are versatile and widely used across industries for applications such as:

Filtration: Allowing air, light, sound, or fluids to pass while acting as a filter.

Ventilation: Enhancing airflow in HVAC systems and other applications.

Aesthetics: Adding decorative appeal to architectural designs.

Structural Support: Strengthening structures while keeping weight to a minimum.

Types of Perforated Sheets

Material: Perforated sheets can be made from materials such as stainless steel, aluminum, brass, or galvanized steel.

Hole Patterns:

Round Holes: Commonly used for filtration and aesthetics.

Square Holes: Suitable for high-visibility applications.

Slotted Holes: Ideal for applications requiring directional airflow or drainage.

Thickness and Sizes: These vary based on the intended application, ranging from lightweight options for decorative purposes to heavier sheets for structural uses.

Perforated Sheets Price Overview

The price of perforated sheets can vary depending on several factors:

Material: Stainless steel and aluminum tend to cost more than other metals due to their durability and corrosion resistance.

Thickness: Thicker sheets often come with higher costs as they require more material and processing.

Pattern Complexity: Custom or intricate patterns can increase the price due to the additional labor and machinery involved.

Quantity: Bulk purchases often come with discounts.

When exploring the perforated sheets price, it’s important to consider the long-term value. While cheaper options may save money upfront, investing in higher-quality materials ensures durability and cost-efficiency over time.

Finding Perforated Sheet Suppliers in Dubai

Dubai is home to numerous suppliers offering a wide range of perforated sheets to cater to various industries. When looking for reliable suppliers, consider the following factors:

Range of Products: Ensure the supplier offers diverse materials, sizes, and hole patterns to meet your specific requirements.

Customization Options: Some suppliers provide tailored solutions to match your design and functional needs.

Quality Standards: Look for suppliers who adhere to international standards, ensuring the durability and reliability of their products.

Pricing: Compare quotes from multiple suppliers to find a balance between cost and quality.

Dubai’s strategic location and thriving industrial sector make it a hub for high-quality perforated sheet suppliers, ensuring easy access to both standard and custom products.

Applications of Perforated Sheets

Architecture and Design

Facades: Add aesthetic appeal while providing ventilation and light diffusion.

Ceilings and Walls: Create stunning interiors with acoustic benefits.

Balustrades and Railings: Combine safety with modern designs.

Industrial Uses

Filters and Screens: Essential in manufacturing and processing industries.

Machinery Guards: Protect workers while maintaining visibility and ventilation.

Grills and Covers: Used in automotive and HVAC systems.

Agriculture

Sieves: Help sort grains and seeds.

Ventilation Panels: Ensure proper airflow in storage facilities.

The Role of Bin Liners in Waste Management

While perforated sheets dominate the industrial and architectural scene, bin liners are indispensable in waste management. They offer a clean, hygienic, and convenient way to handle waste.

What Are Bin Liners?

Bin liners are disposable bags designed to fit inside waste bins. They prevent direct contact between the waste and the bin, simplifying disposal and maintaining cleanliness.

Types of Bin Liners

Materials:

Plastic Liners: Commonly made from polyethylene, available in various thicknesses.

Biodegradable Liners: Environmentally friendly alternatives that break down over time.

Sizes: From small kitchen bins to industrial waste containers, liners come in a wide range of sizes.

Special Features:

Drawstring Liners: For easy sealing and disposal.

Scented Liners: Help combat odors in waste areas.

Benefits of Using Bin Liners

Hygiene: Keeps waste bins clean, reducing the risk of bacterial growth.

Convenience: Simplifies waste disposal, particularly in high-traffic areas.

Versatility: Suitable for domestic, commercial, and industrial settings.

Choosing the Right Bin Liners

Size Compatibility: Ensure the liner fits snugly inside the bin.

Material Strength: Select liners that can handle the weight and type of waste.

Eco-Friendliness: Consider biodegradable options to reduce environmental impact.

Perforated Sheets and Bin Liners: A Harmonious Pair in Modern Solutions

When combined, perforated sheets and bin liners can revolutionize waste management systems. For example:

Perforated Waste Bins: Enhance airflow, reducing odor buildup when used with bin liners.

Industrial Applications: Perforated sheets used as bin covers can add structural integrity while allowing ventilation.

Conclusion

Perforated sheets and bin liners are indispensable in today’s industrial, architectural, and waste management landscapes. Whether you’re seeking the best perforated sheets price or searching for reliable perforated sheet suppliers in Dubai, understanding these materials’ applications and benefits ensures you make informed decisions. Similarly, choosing the right bin liners contributes to hygiene and efficiency in waste management.

By investing in quality materials and products, you not only enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your projects but also pave the way for sustainable and innovative solutions.