What happens to your old phone when you buy a new one? As smartphone features and technology advance, consumers are quickly switching to newer, better, faster phones. Old cellphones are now one of the fastest-growing types of garbage in the United States. This year, more than 140 million cell phones (that’s four cellphones per second) will end up in landfills, releasing 40 tons of lead into the earth because of improper disposal methods. Nearly 80 percent of the materials in a typical cellphone can be recycled, according to the GSM Association, a worldwide mobile communications industry organization. In spite of this clear bonanza, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, only 10 percent of all unused cellphones were recycled in 2007. For some creative companies, however, recycling and repurposing phones provides a great economic – and environmental – incentive. With the environmental risks from improper cellphone disposal only set to increase in the coming years, there’s a clear need for more consumer-friendly cell phone recycling programs that protect the environment. Fortunately, a number of companies and organizations are stepping in. [Read this article]

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Less than a year after introducing a textile recycling program in New York City, supporters have pronounced it a grand success. Last May, the city formed a partnership with Housing Works, a group that helps homeless people who are H.I.V.-positive, to pick up donated clothing at apartment buildings in one of the first large-scale consumer textile recycling programs in the country. The goal is to capture most of the 200,000 tons of apparel and other textiles that New Yorkers throw away each year but that could be reused instead and thereby reduce the city’s garbage disposal costs. At a City Council hearing, Department of Sanitation officials reported that over 50 tons of textiles were donated in the first six months of the program. That amount is expected to rise to more than 300 tons for the second half of the first year. Why? Buildings are clamoring for recycling bins. Donations are tax-deductible, and the program, called Re-fashioNYC, is paying for itself through sales of donated items. [Read this article]

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Do you have a stash of greeting cards you’ve received – Xmas, birthday, or whatever occasion – that you really don’t want to keep any more? The recycling bin is certainly a greener option that disposing of them with your household waste, but they can also be reused. Even though around half a billion email greeting cards are sent each year globally, paper based cards are still very popular. While unwanted greeting cards can be put in your recycling bin; there are also organizations that can make use of them. For example, check with your local childcare center or primary school as they may be able to re use the card fronts as craft materials. One of the world’s oldest greeting card reuse programs is run by St. Jude’s Ranch for Children in Nevada – a refuge for abused, abandoned and neglected children. Children and volunteers make new cards of out card fronts sent in, which are then sold to the public. The children are also paid for their efforts, with the money they receive being divided between spending, savings and a fund for outings. [Read this article]

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It’s cold season and runny noses are making their annual appearance. The most eco-friendly way to blow your nose is to use the old-fashioned handkerchief. However, if carrying a used hankie in your pocket adds a stomach ache to your symptoms, look into the option of purchasing tissues made with 100% recycled paper. According to the Resource Conservation Alliance, each American uses approximately 800 pounds of paper per year. By using paper products made from 100% recycled material you not only help protect forests by lowering the demand for trees, but you also help lower the formation of toxic dioxins and furans in the environment by avoiding products bleached with chlorine. [Read this article]

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The picture of U.S. electricity usage has changed dramatically over the last few decades. In 1950, total electricity usage was 288 billion kilowatt hours. In 2001, the electricity used by U.S. households alone was nearly four times that, totaling 1,140 billion kilowatt hours. So what gives? Where does all of that juice go? And what are the factors that are contributing to that increased consumption? [Read this article]

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If kids can have eco-friendly birthday parties, then so can adults. It may sound daunting, but you really can be zero waste, eco-chic, and still have a blast celebrating your very adult birthday. The zero waste magic happens before and after the party, so while you’re mingling with your guests, don’t worry, just party! Try digital, paperless invites like Evite or Punchbowl. If you really need to use formal paper invites, try recycled or plantable paper cards. If you’re having a small party, real, reusable tableware is the most eco-friendly option. If you’re having a big party, use compostable dinnerware. Use cloth napkins and in general stick with reusables as much as possible. If you do need to rely on disposable items, be sure to get recyclable or compostable items. [Read this article]

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