Go Green Tip 2: Electronics, Don’t throw away – donate!

Computers: Donating used electronics for reuse extends the lives of valuable products and maximizes the energy and resources that went into making the products. Reuse is the environmentally preferable alternative and it benefits society. By donating your used electronics, you allow schools, nonprofit organizations, and lower-income families to obtain electronics that they otherwise could not afford. A working computer is a terrible thing to waste. Donating computers to those who need them is a win-win opportunity. Reusing computers benefits communities, helps use valuable materials wisely, and keeps working PCs out of the trash. Businesses that donate computers are helping others obtain access to technology that is now almost a necessity for education and communication. For nonprofits, schools, and charities (many of which operate on limited budgets), donated electronics can be a lifeline connecting staff or students to the Internet, word processing, electronic spreadsheets, and databases.
Televisions: As more households upgrade technologies—transitioning from analog to digital technology and from boxy, cathode ray tube (CRT) to flat panel televisions—they need more convenient opportunities to safely recycle their old TVs. Old televisions contain lead, copper, steel and aluminum that can be recovered through recycling. Recycling TVs helps to conserve natural resources and energy, and reduce pollution resulting from the extraction and processing of raw materials from the earth. The best option for any used electronics product is to donate it. However, since the switch to digital broadcasting, donation may no longer be an option. Many charitable organizations may stop accepting analog televisions; check with the organization before you drop off your TV.
Cellphones: Donating your working cell phone or PDA can benefit your community. When cell phones and accessories are in good working order, donate them to worthy charities or sell them at a discount to those in need. Recycling cell phones helps the environment by saving energy and keeping usable materials out of landfills. Cell phones and PDAs are made of precious metals, copper, and plastics-all of which require energy to mine and manufacture. Recycling conserves these materials so they can be turned into new products.

Article by Homedezine

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