TIP OF THE DAY - ELECTRONICS RECYCLING

Earth Day is this Friday. Jeanie Sims, our decorating editor and resident Earth Mama, has a suggestion for how you can help the environment while doing your spring cleaning. -- AP

I do, indeed, Anastasia. As you all know, nothing lasts forever. That’s particularly true when it comes to all the electronic gadgets and gizmos we own. We’re always replacing or upgrading computers, TV’s, DVD players, stereo components, game systems, and phones. If they don’t work, too many people toss them out in the trash, and they wind up in landfills. The problem with that is they not only take up lots of space, they contain hazardous materials and toxins that over time will leach into the soil and ground water.

If you’re getting rid of any of these items while spring cleaning, here are a few ways to do so safely:

• Check with your town or county. Many hold recycling days specifically for electronics.

• Many phone and electronics stores have bins for recycling phones. Workable phones are given to shelters for the homeless or abused and can be a lifeline for these people. Phones that no longer work are stripped of their components and the materials recycled.

• Some electronics stores are now offering store credit for trading in your old items on new ones.

• Plantmyphone.com is an organization the uses the money they raise from recycling phone components to plant trees.

Great ideas, Jeanie! And such timely advice this week. Happy Earth Day! 


Readers, don't forget to post a comment to be entered into this week's drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP