Going Green While Saving Green

Taking reducing, reusing, and recycling to new levels can greatly reduce your impact
on the environment and increase the money in your wallet.
Electronic devices are a common part of everyday
life. We watch the morning news on TV, check our
email on the computer, and text our friends about
everything just as automatically as we breathe.
Technology is so integrated into our lives that we
often forget about the impact they have on our
environment. Here are some ways to enjoy your
beloved tech gear while loving our planet;
1)Use mobile devices for checking email or instant
messaging, rather than turning on the PC. Cell
phones and other devices are just as capable as
your computer when performing these simple
tasks. Some devices do almost as much as
computers do. Using a device like a PDA, cell
phone, Apple’s Ipod Touch, or Sony’s Mylo will
keep you connected while saving on electricity.
The use of these devices will also reduce the wear
and tear on your computer, increasing its overall
life span. Save computer usage for heavier tasks
and large work loads.
2)Keep your unwanted electronics out of the
landfill. Electronic devices contain materials that
should be recycled or disposed of safely. Working
electronics that you have no use for should be
resold or donated to people that do have a use for
them. Most manufacturers offer disposal
programs for their products and have details on
their websites. For non-working devices that still
have usable parts, there are companies that will
actually buy your junk and reuse what is
salvageable or help you fix them. Ebay is also a
great tool for selling broken electronics and
finding replacement parts.
3)Separate your need from your wants. Do you
really need that new gadget or do you just want it?
Buying the latest cell phone when yours works
just fine creates more waste. If you really have to
have something that bad, buy it used. That way
you save money, give purpose to someone’s
unwanted stuff, and help keep harmful materials
out of a landfill.
Here are some resources to help you dispose of
your electronics, get cash for them or give them
new life.
www.epa.gov/cellphone
www.recyclewirelesphones.com
www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com
www.charitablerecycling.com
www.eco-cell.org
www.pcsforschools.org
www.justgive.org
www.cellforcash.com
www.phoneiscash.com
www.ifixit.com