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April 20, 2006
Earth Day is Saturday, April 22
When spring cleaning and decluttering, be kind to Mother Earth (and everyone who inhabits it) by disposing of waste responsibly. And by recycling what you no longer need, you can keep it out of the landfill altogether. Besides Goodwill, organizations' rummage sales, and (naturally) library book sales, here are some suggestions for recycling or donating what you no longer need.
DuPage County is celebrating Earth Day by hosting a Household Hazardous Waste Collection Event for chemicals, thermometers, and other items from the house and yard.
DuPage County’s Guide to Waste, Recycling & Energy tells where to recycle electronics, textbooks, and other household items.
Enter your zip code at Earth911 to find out where to recycle everything from agricultural motor oil to yard waste, including construction materials, videotapes, cell phones, tires, and packing peanuts.
The Nike Reuse-a-Shoe program will give your old sports shoes new life by converting them into basketball and tennis courts, athletic fields, and running tracks.
Electronic equipment contains hazardous materials that will be released into our air and water unless properly handled. Dell, Hewlett Packard, IBM, and Epson are among the manufacturers and retailers that take back their own and sometimes other companies’ products.
Have stuff that’s too good to throw out but don’t want to hassle holding a garage sale? Join a Freecycle group and give the outgrown bunk beds or that lawnmower you won’t need in the condo a new home in Hinsdale, Burr Ridge, or another local suburb.
The Doings published a list of places to donate baby supplies, bicycles, medical equipment, small appliances, and radios and TVs, among other things you might not think of. ("Dispose Yourself to a Greener Lifestyle," August 15, 2005, p. 21-22)
Share the Technology hosts a database of used computer and office equipment. Post a donation or a request to find a local person or organization who has what you need or needs what you have.
Infinitec, Inc. is the assistive technology program of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of Greater Chicago. Its Assistive Technology Exchange Network (ATEN) recycles computers and other technology to benefit learners with disabilities in the Chicago area and Illinois.
Why bother? Studies show that recycling has many Economic Benefits. Recycling reduces the need for new landfills, prevents pollution, saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources. It also creates jobs, both in the recycling industry and in the services it uses; generates tax revenues; and investments in recycling equipment and the companies themselves contribute to economic growth. A study quantifies these benefits in Illinois and nationally.
Recycling has a proven record that’s Too Good To Throw Away. It's worth the little effort it takes.
Posted by hinsdalereference at April 20, 2006 10:53 AM