"Great things come from small beginnings..."

Many of you might recognize the preceding quote from the popular Milo commercials and is one of their most popular taglines, but no truer words have been said.

Today, the world is not in the kind of light we want to see. You name it, violence, bloodshed, the evils of politics, and all that jazz. And while these dregs still exist in many forms, let's not forget one of the most pressing issues humanity is currently facing: how to save the environment.

Sometimes, we say what the objective is, and it's easy to just blurt it out with gusto. But if there is anything I've learned over the years, it's that saying and declaring is one thing, execution is another. And sometimes, it is easy to think that such a grand responsibility is a responsibility too great for the average Joe to handle, especially when it comes to changing the world for the better. Actually, if you ask me, all of us are capable of great things, no matter who you are or where you're from. And that's what I'd like to prove in this blog. We've seen a lot of initiatives done by many artists and organizations over the years (such as the outstanding contributions of U2). We've seen SOP's like CLAYGO being taught to schools and various public places. We're also used of the 3R's (reuse, reduce, recycle). But there is something else we as a united front can do. Especially for coffee enthusiasts.

I'm no genius, but you can probably imagine how many of these coffee sleeves are being used all over the world every day. They've certainly become quite handy and has caused the prevention of hot-handed situations many times over. But it's quite unfortunate to see that these things are seen to be disposable after a great perk-up session with yourself or with your friends (as it's being intended for "single use"). So you can probably imagine how many of these are being thrown away in one day. Now, imagine in a year.

So as a way for me to contribute to the environment and help in ensuring a future for not only ourselves, but for our children and grandchildren, I will use the same coffee sleeve and make it a point to conserve. This is to:

1.) Contribute to the 3R's: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle,

2.) Hopefully inspire people to learn from this practice and apply these experiences in other applications, be it in life or in business, and

3.) Hopefully, break the record that was set for the most number of times a single coffee sleeve is used. I remember seeing this in a Seattle's Best outlet somewhere before. Well, anything can happen.

Think about it: Anyone remember the last time all lights were shut off in a given hour in the Metro? Can you imagine how much was saved because of a simple action done by multitudes of households? Imagine being able to save the environment by applying the 3R's in your favorite cafe or hangout, particularly, the use of the same coffee sleeve and not throw it away. And why the Christmas theme? Because it'll be a constant reminder of how this whole thing began during the holiday season. Besides, wouldn't it be refreshing to see this being used during the rest of the year?

The following guideline will be followed, and would see modifications depending on circumstance:

The sleeve will only be used on hot drinks placed in plastic cups, like the usual coffee, tea, and whatnot. And the place you'll order it from will not matter, just as long as you'll be able to use it to protect your hands from the heat. If for example you plan to order two drinks and you plan to use it twice, it'll be considered used for two times.

Every time the sleeve would be used, I will mark it in the sleeve as proof that I have used it. Not to mention, I will chronicle the events of the day the sleeve is used. I've used it earlier, but I will chronicle the circumstances of the events later on.

Hope you guys will enjoy this, ehem, perky ride. Let's get this started!

Oh yeah, my name is Lance, a writer for GAME! Magazine and just your average everyday guy.

PS - Will fix the layout of the blog site soon. Thanks!