This week’s Green Tip, courtesy of Penn College Energy Conservation Subcommittee via Earth911.com, is born of the challenge that each new year/new semester brings: finding space for thenew … while dealing with where to put the old. Sixty-two percent of consumers bought electronics this holiday, according to Consumer Reports Holiday Shopping Report. It is important to either reuse or recycle the outdated item/device being replaced. E-waste is generally considered anything that plugs into a wall or accepts batteries, and Americans generate about 2.2 million tons of it every year. Because these items contain a wide variety of potentially toxic materials (including lead, nickel and mercury), dumping in a landfill disturbs groundwater and soil. There are two good options for proper e-waste disposal: donation and recycling. Most retail storeaccept e-waste for free. For more information on recycling/donation solutions for this and other items such as toys, CDs, tapes, gift cards and clothing, visit online.
