Once again, I passed used electronics sitting curbside waiting to be crushed and carried away by the garbage men to further pollute our landfills. My understanding of why people do this is, for the most part, simple ignorance.
1. They don't know any better.
2. They don't realize the toxic results of tossing that TV/computer screen/microwave into the trash.
3. They just don't know what else to do.
That's why I'm addressing this issue yet again.
Your first step is to contact your local Best Buy and check to see if they'll take any of the electronics you no longer want. If they do not take them, there are other options you can explore:
1.
http://www.mygreenelectronics.org/ Just enter your zip code to see if there's a program in your area.
2.
http://www.eiae.org/ Click on your state on the Ecycling Central website.
3.
http://www.1800recycling.com/ or call 1-800-RECYCLING
Best Buy also has a trade-in program where they will take gently used electronics in exchange for a Best Buy gift card. So if you're an electronic junkie who upgrades every year or so, this could be the perfect solution for you! Visit
www.bestbuy.com/tradein for details.
Speaking of Best Buy gift cards, did you know you can deposit them in the kiosk in the front of the store for recycling once you've used up their worth? In addition to recycling rechargable batteries, cell phones, etc., you can also recycle your CDs and DVDs once they become scratched or damaged or you're simply tired of them. Ashamedly, I must admit, I've always just tossed them in the trash. No more. I'm thrilled that Best Buy offers so many green solutions -- which is why I'm awarding them the
Green Company of the Week award. Visit their website for more information on how this company is going green!
Keeping it green,
Hana
