**Some interesting ideas submitted by Storminsteve and Rip-plugger, thanks!




Thanks Steve......









Here's something similar to the original story, sent in by Rip-plugger, thanks-

http://www.wsiltv.com/news/local/Sou...199249781.html
Southern Illinois Business Makes Fishing Lures From Bottle Caps



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  • By Nick Hausen
  • Story Created: Mar 20, 2013 at 5:34 PM CDT
    Story Updated: Mar 20, 2013 at 7:41 PM CDT

    WEST FRANKFORT -- Most of us just throw our bottle caps in the trash, but a local man has started a business that recycles those caps to create a unique product while also providing jobs to the developmentally disabled.

    Docks stood empty Wednesday because of the cold weather, but fisherman will fill the docks when the weather is warmer. Some of those fishermen might be using new lures made of bottle caps.

    "The bottle caps take up to a hundred years to dissolve in the ground, and I thought what if we could turn these into a useable product that people could actually go out and use and put people to work at the same time," said ABC Lures owner Rick Hubert.

    Hubert got the idea when he tried to pick up what he thought was a fishing lure, and instead found a bottle cap. He spent three years developing and testing his product and is ready to take the next step.

    "Have it distributed through the internet," explained Hubert, "through retail outlets, through a chain of distribution. So not that we're looking for a big profit on this, what we want to do is create jobs."

    When Hubert heard the H-Group was involved in recycling, he thought it was a perfect fit for making the lures.

    "This way, it's getting used for something else," said H-Group training specialist Golda Brandon. "It's fun for these guys, and it's giving them a feeling of purpose and accomplishment."

    An accomplishment that they made a product that other people will buy and use.

    "These guys go fishing and it would be awesome to see them, "Hey that lure, I did that. I made that,'" explained Brandon. "And look at the fish they just caught. It's good."

    The lures cost $2, cheaper than most retail lures. Hubert hopes the idea is a win all the way around, from the environment, to the workers, to the fishermen.

    Hubert's new company is also turning recycled bottle caps into bracelets and keychains.

    If you're interested in donating bottle caps to ABC Lures, email Hubert at rickhubert@yahoo.com or visit one of these locations:

    -La Fiesta in Marion, Benton, and West Frankfort
    -Ramsey's at Lake of Egypt
    -American Legion in Marion
    -John Browns on the Square in Marion
    -Double D's in Benton