Because of the space these phones require in landfills and the harm their components can do to the environment, many states are beginning to enact requirements on cell phone recycling. Retailers in these states are required, by law, to take outdated, broken or otherwise unused cell phones from consumers at no charge.

We know what you’re asking…

“How does recycling cell phones help the environment?”

Copper
One ton of cellular phones can provide close to 100Kg of copper and that amount of copper is more than can be pulled from an equal amount of its own ore. By recycling these devices for copper, we reduce the impact of copper mining on the environment.

Green House Gases
No matter what a factory produces, as long as it is producing, it is releasing green house gases into the atmosphere. By recycling used cell phones, using them for parts or even donating them to shelters, we reduce the need to produce more new phones.

Lead
Lead that is leached into our groundwater supply has been shown to cause problems with the liver, kidneys and other vital organs. By recycling our used mobile phones, we are safely reusing or removing the lead components from our environment.

Plastic
Once recycled, the plastic casings of cell phones are used to make park decks, playground equipment and even saxophones. In fact, every single component found inside of a cell phone can be recycled. Just imagine if all of the cell phones that are discarded each year would be recycled instead!

What else can you do with your old cell phones?

There are many organizations will take cell phones and either recycle them to raise money or give them to people in need. Some of these organizations are:

Cell Phones for Soldiers: this organization will accept your used cell phones and convert them into calling cards, prepaid of course, for soldiers overseas. In the three years the program has been running, over 12 million minutes have been given to these men and women.
http://www.cellphonesforsoldiers.com/

Shelter Alliance: this organization runs the largest mobile phone donation program in the country. Collection programs are available for students, businesses, organizations and individuals.
http://shelteralliance.net/

Collective Good: this organization makes it worthwhile to donate your cell phone. Different incentives are offered throughout the year and have included $5 gift cards for every phone donated.

Before you toss your outdated cell phone in the garbage, find out if your company takes used cell phones for some type of recycling program. If your office doesn’t, check with your child’s school. If you can’t easily recycle your phone, consider donating it to a charity; there’s always someone who will be more than happy to have it.

Author Stephanie Sanders is a communications consultant and writes for a UK mobile phones site, offering all the latest phones and plans.

• Troops to Energy Jobs
Like the name says, this program, created by five of the nations largest energy company, helps train and facilitate veterans in energy careers. They work with the federal government along with local community colleges and unions to get veterans into accelerated training programs and placed in jobs. To see what opportunities are available in your area, you can check out the Troops to Energy Jobs section of CEWD.org.

• Solar by Soldiers
This is a small program created by Tipping Point Renewable Energy that specifically hires and trains veterans to work in their solar and efficiency programs. They install solar panels for customers that reduces our dependence on energy from oil. You can find out everything you want to know about this Ohio based company at Tipenenergy.com/Solar-By-Soldiers.

• Green Jobs 4 Vets
This is a small Massachusetts based program not only trains and places veterans in energy and weatherization jobs, but also has opportunities for positions in hazardous materials removal, green construction and energy audits. Their website, with links to all their programs and job leads can be found at GreenJobs4Vets.us

If a new green career isn’t one you’ve considered before, please do. It is one of the most rewarding ways to work and continue to do good in the world for today and future generations. This nation is grateful for the services our veterans have provided and there are resources available to serve them in return.

Photo credits: Fort Dix solar panels by U.S. Army Environmental Command/flickr; Windmill Farm by Kumaravel/flickr

Kenny Alvarez is an education counselor to veterans and also writes for a military education site which explores all the college education benefits to veterans and their dependents; for example, check out this information on Marines tuition assistance.

1. Turn off the Water
In certain places, people keep sprinkler systems on year-round. In other areas, sprinkler systems need to be shut off when temperatures begin dropping. Once winter arrives, plants, grass, and other shrubbery do not require as much water. However, many people may continue watering when it is not needed.

• Reduce the amount of water you use in your backyard.
• Even if you do not use a sprinkler system, reduce the amount of water you use in your backyard.
• Instead of watering your lawn and other greenery every day, only water it when it is needed.

Turning off your sprinkler system as temperatures become cooler can also help prevent wasted water. Cold temperatures can cause pipes to burst in sprinkler systems, which causes water waste.

2. Create Animal-Friendly Areas

An Eco-friendly backyard should have plenty of animal-friendly areas. When you want to create an animal-friendly backyard, you can set up a few areas where animals will feel safe and happy.

• Hang a few bird-feeders from the trees in your backyard or off your back porch.
• Scatter bird food around the bottom of the tree trunks, as well as underneath other bird-feeders. The food on the ground will attract non-flying birds, as well as scavenger birds.
• Use recycled materials to create bird-feeders.

3. Winterize Your Lawn in an Eco-Friendly Way

All lawns need to be winterized before the temperatures drop. However, if you want to keep your backyard eco-friendly, you should consider using organic or eco-friendly fertilizer on your grass and plants.

• Prepare your lawn before winter with eco-friendly fertilizers.
• Plant grass and plants that are intended for the area you live.
• When you use the right type of grass and plants in your yard, there is not as much need for fertilizer or water.

4. Pesticides are a Bad Idea

Pesticides can harm your pets, as well as any outdoor animals that visit your yard. When you want to deter certain animals, or lawn killers, consider using natural methods.

5. Trade Your Current Furniture for Eco-Friendly Items

Use eco-friendly outdoor lighting and furniture. You can still enjoy your backyard in the winter by using eco-friendly lighting and furniture.

• Enjoy the cooler weather by placing an environmentally friendly outside wood burning stove in your yard.
• Use eco-friendly yard lighting and holiday lights.
• Use outdoor furniture made from recycled materials outside on your porch or in your yard.

Just because the weather is cooler does not mean you cannot enjoy your yard. With bird feeders, outdoor wood stoves, and recyclable furniture, you can have fun outdoors, even in winter. When you make an effort to have a greener yard, it can be more enjoyable for you, and the environment.

Photo credits: Bird Feeder – Cardinal by Marni-/flickr; Solar Lights in backyard
by shidairyproduct/flickr

Author Casey Stevens owns his own landscape business and writes for truckertotrucker.com, a site where you can find a dump trailer for your renovation project or a flatbed trailer to haul all your heavy equipment.

1. Skip the Appliances.
The energy and resources required to make and power mini-fridges and microwaves is huge. Campuses also have hundreds of places to hang out that provide free air conditioning. If your dorm or apartment doesn’t have all those energy draining gadgets, just spend as much time as possible not there. Getting out and meeting new people is what college is all about anyway.

2. Trash into Treasure
Get that quirky eco friendly look by creating your own style at thrift stores. Take an art or sewing class and learn how to alter or embellish your clothing, book bags, and linens. Buying second hand will not only save you money, but keep hundreds of pounds of trash out of the landfill.

3. Change Light Bulbs
Compact florescent bulbs save energy and money. Try to make sure all the fixtures and lamps within your reach are energy efficient.

4. Kill Switch on the Phantom Menace
Computers, phone chargers, modems, TV’s and other electronics all drain power if left plugged in, even when they’re turned off. Cut them off at the source by plugging everything into a power strip and turning it off when you’re not using them.

5. Recycle Electronics
Old cell phones, dying mini-fridges, or obsolete monitors all need to be disposed of. If you recycle electronics and appliances appropriately, you can prevent not only tons of non-biodegradable ending up in landfills, but you can also reduce the amount of toxic mercury leaked into the soil and ground water. Also, read this about the effect of cell phones on gorilla habitats.

6. Recycle and Encourage Others to Recycle
Start using refillable water bottles and travel mugs rather than bottle water and disposable cups, and wash your dishes rather than using paper plates. Set up bins for your dorm, collect printer paper, pick up litter, and encourage your friends to do the same. Every little bit helps!

Colorful Recycling Containers for Trash

9. Get Involved
Campuses run on student groups. Find a green group that’s doing something about what you’re passionate about. GreenStudentU.com has a huge list of student environmental groups.

10. Pee Outside
It sounds like a crazy way to go green, but the average toilet uses THREE gallons of water per flush. Help save that water for where we really need it. Visit PeeOutside.org for more on this unusual way to save the planet.

A little creativity will help you get started on your own green initiatives today—don’t wait to start making your contribution to the earth’s good health!

Photo credits: Colorful Recycling Containers for Trash by epSos.de/flickr; Walking by English106/flickr

Peter Harrington is a career counselor and content contributor for Top Online Colleges, a great source for tons of information on expanding your education, from top online colleges for nursing to School Counseling degrees.

Water

According to the National Atmospheric Deposition Program, since the instillation of the Clean Air Act of 1990, acid rain has decreased dramatically. From 1985 to 2008, sulfate emissions decreased by 50% while nitrate emissions fell by over 30%. Conversely, the levels of acid ions in our rainwater have decreased by similar percentages.

Acid rain damages buildings, bridges and roads and can cause widespread damage to the ecosystem. The study has shown the Clean Air Act has done what it set out to do and this is good news. While we do have work to do, knowing that we are on the right track is cause for celebration.

Climate

Many people have not heard of the Monte Pascoal-Pau, Brazil Ecological Corridor project for reforestation, but they should! Not only will the project create a 37-mile long corridor for migration, but will expand the habitat of threatened species in the country of Brazil. As if this wasn’t enough, the first 28 acres that have been planted will remove up to 12 tons of carbon dioxide per year for every 2.4 acres planted.

Once the project’s goal of covering 2400 acres with new forest, the amount of carbon dioxide removed from the air could be up to 360,000 tons over a 30-year period. Researchers estimate that this number is the equivalent of removing 65,000 vehicles from the world’s roadways!

Recycling

Do you know why we recycle? Most people are aware that recycling prevents mountains of waste from building up in landfills but, beyond this, have no idea how recycling helps the environment. Recycling reduces the waste and greenhouse gases that it takes to produce aluminum by up to 95%. The numbers are 70% for plastic, 60% for steel and 40% for plastic and glass.

Not only do we produce fewer emissions, but also for every ton of paper that is recycled the number of trees cut down to produce paper is reduced by 17. According to Stanford University, by recycling for one year, they saved over 33,000 trees and reduced the need for iron ore, coal and limestone by 636 tons. These numbers are staggering and only given by one university! Think of how dramatically these numbers would increase if all universities were tallied, and how those numbers could further soar if every business and household were factored in.

NASA

We all know that NASA is responsible for space exploration but did you know that they are also responsible for environmental research? NASA conducted a study on alternative-energy and, as a result, developed a method of using algae to produce clean fuel.

Scientists have since come up with an idea to place wastewater filled, semi-permeable membranes in the ocean. The algae that will eventually grow in the membranes will feed on the waste. The algae will then create their own waste, a byproduct of which is biofuel that can be harvested from the membranes. This method of biofuel production doesn’t pollute the ocean, as the algae consume all of the waste. The only end result byproducts are oxygen and water!

While there is still a long way to go towards healing our planet and preventing further damage, we do need to stop and remember to be thankful for the strides that have already been made. Perhaps our newscasters and politicians would do well to concentrate their efforts on letting us know how our ‘green’ changes are benefiting the environment. People are often more apt to follow through with a lifestyle change when they are aware of the positive effects. And follow through is what we need, now more than ever.

Author Tom Blanchard tries to be less wasteful about all things, and along with that is saving money that could be better used elsewhere. To that end, using discounts when possible, such as Coupon Croc of the UK, allows him to use money saved to donate to green projects whenever he can.

1. Leaf by Jeff Kubina

2. His Fingerprints Fern Leaf by Randy Robertson

3. Sailing by Steve H

4. A Frosty Morning in Denmark by Flemming

5. Random Assemblage from Yard by Ctd 2005

6. Untitled by Dave Morrow

7. HerbstFeuer by Wolfgang Staudt

8. Netting by Jenny Downing

9. Rain Drops by OurEverydayEarth

10. Plant Shadows by Kevin Dooley

A large handful of students were seen grinning about Columbian Square on October Twentieth with Chelsea Clinton, daughter of Former President Bill Clinton and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, model Christy Turlington Burns and Juju Chang, journalist. They were all in attendance to host the George Washington University “GW + Phones=Hope” celebration to kickoff the GW Phones for Hope campaign.

George Washington University - Phones for Hope

The Phones for Hope campaign is supported by the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) created by Former President Bill Clinton and Doug Band, who through this program hopes to bring about changes around the world through actions that are measurable. The purpose of Phones for Hope is to recycle old electronics and phones that aid maternal health programs located in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nepal by recycling them or by converting them into mobile medical communication devices.

As stated by Christy Turlington Burns, supporter for the campaign,

“The best way to address child survival is to invest in a mom”

and by March of 2012, GW strives to make an investment by way of approximately 20,000 used cell phones.

The CGI is comprised of a large group of corporate businesses, non-profits and organizations who even though they come from assorted industries, they have the same common goal in mind. This powerful group would like to bring about change to the world’s problems dealing with poverty, education and climate change. CGI requests that its members start assisting the world by participating in “Commitments to Action”. Of course, sustainability is a key ingredient to their core. Phones for hope bases it’s actions around the principles of viability (along with good will), and does an excellent job of presenting to its subscribers the important of our future.

Check out the following video for more campaign info;

As we know it, finding long-term solutions to any of the issues addressed by the CGI is extremely important. Turlington and Clinton demonstrate their interest in renewal and recyclables by aiding in the early development of children in Africa. The CGI continues to do great work in similar areas, and their predecessor (CHAI or Clinton Health Access Initiative) provides supplemental help as well.

Through prodigious campaigns like these, that bolster positives changes around the world, like GW’s Phones for Hope, we will all see the benefits from individual and groups who are committed to making a difference. The Phones for Hope program not only benefits the United States, by supplying a secure way to recycle phones and other electronics but the greatest of all impacts will be reached in areas across the seas like Africa and Nepal where families can have a chance at survival because they now have access to healthcare for mothers and children.

Even as you acknowledge your blissful days on the lake are an extravagance, you argue their benefits for your sanity and your family’s happiness more than justify the expense. Moreover, you love your days on the open water so much you are willing to take bold steps to continue enjoying them. You are willing not only to review all the real costs of operating your boat but also to assess your boat’s impact on the environment. As you form your resolve, you should remember, as with most things earth-friendly, reducing your carbon footprint is a wallet-friendly choice, too.

Calculate your current footprint

For the sake of simple discussion, you can calculate your boat’s carbon footprint by simple multiplication using the formula…

#gallons x lbs/gal(CO2) = e CO2
(size of your fuel tank) X (pounds per gallon burned)=(carbon emissions or “the footprint”)

Calculate at the rates…

one gallon of marine diesel produces 21.24 lbs. CO2
one gallon of marine unleaded (93 octane)produces 19.88lbs. CO2
one gallon of marine unleaded (91 octane)produces 19.51lbs. CO2
one gallon of marine unleaded (89 octane)produces 19.52lbs. CO2
one gallon of “jet A” produces 21.1lbs. CO2
one gallon of biodiesel produces 5.02lbs. CO2

Of course, the less fuel you burn, the less you pollute the atmosphere. You may naturally wonder how a gallon of gasoline that weighs barely six pounds in the can mysteriously generates more than twenty pounds of carbon emissions. Blame the fire triangle: In your engine, gasoline mixes with heat and oxygen—the miracle of internal combustion; as gasoline and oxygen mix, oxygen increases the weight of combustion’s by-products by a multiple of approximately 3.5.

Choose your footprint reduction plan

Obviously, changes in octane ratings have little impact on the size of your carbon footprint, so that acting conscientiously to reduce your emissions requires a choice among three options. You may reduce your fuel consumption by going to a smaller and more fuel-efficient engine, or you may reduce your fuel consumption by applying strict self-discipline to your piloting. The third option is slightly more radical. If you love that big old Chevy 454, and you cannot restrain your urge to run it with the throttle wide-open, then you may aggressively reduce your carbon footprint all the time you are not tearing-up the waterways. Instead of replacing your boat engine, change all your household light-bulbs and replace all your kitchen appliances; then, abandon driving to work and take public transit or ride your bicycle.

Further reduce your footprint

A little common sense cuts carbon emissions a lot, simultaneously cutting your costs and making you a safer helmsman…

• Generally back-off the throttle and control it more smoothly, cutting out your jack-rabbit starts and backing off from wide-open to cruise at least two or three more times per outing than you have been accustomed to backing-off in the past.

• Update and downsize your engine. Just as high-performance auto engines now generate the same old-fashioned horsepower from far fewer cubic inches with far less fuel consumption, so boat engines have evolved. What used to take eight cylinders now requires only six, and what used to suck-up premium fuel now sips regular. Just as importantly, update and upgrade your propellers; stainless steel propellers rock.

• Perfect your “planning” skills. Just as your car uses less fuel when it runs at 60 mph at the low end of fifth gear than it uses at 10 mph wound-out in first, so your boat runs far more efficiently when it “planes.” Get on-plane quickly and stay there; perfect your “power trim” skills. The less hull you drag through the water, the less your engine has to work against waves, wake, and chop.

• Cut weight wherever you can. Do not carry extra fuel on-board, give-up all those unnecessary accessories, and make sure your hull is perfectly clean. While you are cutting weight, seriously consider cutting size. If you have a compelling need for speed, remember that smaller boats go much faster using far less fuel.

On the water, “economical” and “ecological” are synonyms. The more you increase your boat’s fuel efficiency, the more you make it earth-friendly. The more you reduce your boat’s carbon footprint, the more you assure your children and their children can enjoy the same blissful days on the lake that have enriched your life and made your hard work worthwhile.

Photo credit: Boating-at the gas pump by momentcaptured1/flickr; Speed by Zanastardust/flickr

Timothy Petersen is an avid water sports enthusiast and content contributor for SkiSafe.com, a Boat Insurance provider specializing in PWC insurance for jetskiis, yachts, fishing boats, and more.

By definition, our carbon footprint is the impact that our activities, both at home and away, have on climate change. This measurement of the greenhouse gases that we produce as individuals has a carbon dioxide equivalent.

By reducing the amount of personal carbon dioxide emissions, we can reduce our personal impact on energy requirements and global warming in general. While there is little doubt that global warming is a worldwide issue, one person truly can make a difference. Many of these changes will also end up saving you money.

Adjust Your Thermostat

By turning your thermostat down a mere 2 degrees in the winter you will save $98 per year and decrease your carbon emissions by 2,000 pounds. In the summer, turn up your thermostat the same 2 degrees and you will have the same effect on the environment as well as your personal budget.

Of course, turning off your heating and cooling systems altogether can reduce your carbon footprint further. In the heat of the summer open your windows for cross-ventilation, and use fans rather than central air-conditioning whenever possible. Curing the milder days of winter, layer your clothing and turn off the furnace. In spring and fall, open your windows and screened doors to let the fresh air and daylight enter, and try to only lights in the daytime if you truly need them for reading or working.

Turn Down Your Water Heater

Most water heaters are automatically set at 140 degrees when they are shipped from the factory. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees or lower, and you will save at a minimum $30 per year plus 500 pounds of emissions. Hot tubs and Jacuzzis run with a water temperature of no more than 110 degrees. Chances are, you taking a shower in temperatures higher than these. Turn down your water heater and you won’t even notice!

Run a Full Dishwasher

Don’t run your dishwasher when it is only partially full. If you have a small load, wash them in the sink. If you have enough dirty dishes to fill your washer, go ahead and use it—running only a full dishwasher can save you $40 each year and reduce your emissions as well.

Doing Your Laundry

Cold or cool water is just as effective at cleaning your normally soiled clothing as warm or hot water. Look for washing machines and dryers that are energy star compliant, and try to use a biodegradable laundry detergent. By combining all of these eco-friendly laundry practices, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint by a significant amount. Be sure to take advantage of the sun! Hang your clothes on the line (inside or outside), then just fluff them quickly in the dryer—this works especially well for heavy towels and blankets, saving tons of electricity.

Switch Your Light Bulbs

As your bulbs burn out, replace them with those that are energy efficient. Compact fluorescent light bulbs do cost more than traditional halogen bulbs but can last up to eight times longer. If you are still using lamps and ceiling lights with halogen bulbs, be sure to turn them off when they aren’t in use. Be aware that halogens run very hot and shouldn’t be used in office or table lamps close to you, they can explode and cause injury.

Save Water

There are many ways you can save water in your home and garden. Install a low-flow or dual flush toilet, install aerators on taps in the kitchen and bathroom, and try to take more showers than baths. If you aren’t in the market for a new toilet, placing a brick in the toilet’s water tank will reduce the volume of water used per flush.

Connie Prescott is a conservation writer who works with NRDC and other organizations to protect our health and environment. She says that transforming the energy marketplace is essential to cooling the climate changes our earth is undergoing. Check out these global warming facts and see the latest strides being made for our environment.

Mavizen TTX02

Electric classes are the latest thing in motorcycle racing, and the TTX02 offers a turn-key package to get into the sport. Mavizen takes KTM’s RC8 frame and adds both a pair of electric motors and a pair of batteries mounted with a quick releases for easy replacement during pit stops. The controller uses Linux and WiFi, letting racers tune the bike track-side with off-the-shelf components. Although the top speed is only 130 mph, development at the famed Isle of Man lets the bike tackle road courses with ease.

The TTX02 only costs $38,000: That’s 50% less than an equivalent gas-powered race bike. Maintenance costs are also greatly reduced, making this one of the most affordable ways to get into road racing.

The Mavizen TTX02 Eco Bike

Image by sfslim

Vectrix VX-2

Vectrix’s large VX-1 electric scooter has found buyers ranging from hardcore treehuggers to the NYPD, but not everyone is willing to spend five figures on a road bike that can barely reach highway speeds. The long-awaited VX-2 solved this problem by moving the brand down-market. Despite being loaded down with lead acid batteries, the electric bike has the performance and usability of a 50cc scooter. A 40-50 mile range is plenty for the segment, and while charging takes about six hours, it can be done using a standard electric outlet. Retailing for around $4,300, the VX-2 is one of the cheapest ways to get into electric vehicles.

A Stunning Vectrix Concept Bike

Image by Sonietta46

Zero Motorcycles

Trail impact is a major issue for dirt riders, providing a niche for cycles that avoid the noise and pollution problems of traditional bikes. Zero is leads the way, offering range built on a single motor and chassis with different suspension setups to fit every type of riding from supermotard to motocross. The bikes can be charged using standard 110v and 220v outlets, making it easy to keep the bikes ready to ride no matter where they are. Price for Zero’s bikes are around $10,000.

Husqvarna E-go

Unlike the other bikes on this list, the E-go isn’t for sale, it’s just a prototype. Also, Husqvarna’s parent company, BMW, has been mum on the battery chemistry, range, power output, and possibility for production. So, what’s the big deal?

It looks really cool.

The front wheel is attached to a single sided fork, the lack of a gas tank or exhaust keeps the bodywork to a minimum, and the ribbed panel over the battery mimics an engine. Despite aiming for a supermotard-style that will appeal to European buyers, the E-go looks more like something from a science fiction film.

BMW has released one detail: The prototype weighs around 175 lbs. That’s about 100 less than a Zero. You can get great electric motorcyle insurance from specialist insurance companies so make sure you are ready to go and padded out and see you on the open road.