Do Your Part: E-Waste RecyclingI became consciously aware of e-waste recycling - or recycling discarded TVs, monitors, computers, cell phones, batteries - when I lived in Germany. Germany has a very strict policy about trash and recycle, as do most countries in the European Union. When I first arrived in country, I found it very frustrating! I had to separate everything, including foods like veggie scraps that are biodegradable. Initially, it took me a long time to divide out all the trash. But over time, the process got faster and my appreciation for Germany's earth-friendly regulations grew more and more.
The Consequence of E-WasteAfter my European trash experience, you can imagine my surprise when I read this statistic in a recent Parade magazine: More than 1.5 million tons of e-waste are thrown into U.S. landfills every year.The consequence of e-waste? Electronics are full of heavy metals such as lead, mercury, and cadmium. For example, an old TV can contain between 4-8 pounds of lead; a big screen TV may have even more! These heavy metal toxins in trashed electronics are released into the air and water. All in all, about 40% of the heavy metals in landfills come from electronic equipment discards. All of which could be avoided with a little e-waste recycling efforts!
You Can Help With E-Waste RecyclingIf you are working on a home organization project and find that you are purging e-waste with your regular trash, I encourage you to read the short article from Parade magazine called "The Dangers of e-Waste."For a more in-depth look, check out the Electronics Take Back Coalition web page. What are some steps you can take as a consumer to decrease e-waste?
Note: E-waste recycling facts and figures are courtesy of Parade magazine and the Electronics Take Back Coalition.
Additional ResourcesTake off your shoes and stay awhile...we've got more organizing tips on the way!Over 50 ways to boost your organizing savvy! The *Free Tip Kit* is offered exclusively through Home Organization Online. Your Christmas organized is just around the corner! Lots of hints and helpers to make the season a whole lot brighter. Trashed electronics release heavy metal toxins in into our air and water. E-waste recycling can prevent this problem - and you can help! Get motivated to FINALLY start that home organization project that's been on your to do list for months and months. These L-E-S-S-O-N-S will help you determine your goal setting strategy. Powerful organizational tools that'll super charge your organizing efforts! Thinkin' and wishin' and hopin' and prayin' for organized purses? The secrets to de-cluttering your handbag - inside and out! Need help organizing a room? This guide covers the ABC's of room organization. Does it seem like organizing kids requires a miracle? Here are ten tips to help you do the seemingly impossible. 5 steps to get your morning routine under control... This list is not all-inclusive! View the complete list of organizing tips available through Home Organization Online. Return to Main Topic: Organizing Tips |
