Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008 - (Page 16)

one tonne (1.1 ton) of wood, while recycling one tonne of printing or copier paper saves slightly more than two tonnes of wood. Shredded paper can be used as packaging material. Don’t forget to ask for a dedicated area for recycling papers, bottles, etc. These are some of the resources listed on the website of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency: Electronics Industries Alliance (EIA) Consumer Education Initiative is a web-based resource that provides FAMILIAR LOGO STANDS FOR REUSE. As one of the three Rs, reuse is second in the hierarchy of reduce, reuse and recycle. One of the three arrows in the now quite Aluminum — US airlines throw away enough aluminum cans every year to build 58 new 747s. At the urging of its own ﬂight attendants, Delta Air Lines launched an on-board recycling program this past summer in a few of its hubs. In the ﬁrst three months, ﬂight attendants, who sorted cans, newspapers and plastic, collected 60 tons of recyclables. The program will expand to all domestic ﬂights by the end of 2008. Electronics — According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Americans are storing or discarding millions of tons of obsolete electronic items. Recent estimates indicate that we recycle less than 10% of all our unwanted electronic products, including computers, televisions and cell phones, to name just a few. Computers and other electronic products are the fastest-growing (and among the least-recycled) components of America’s waste ﬂow. As our technology devices become increasingly obsolete, it is vital that we ﬁnd ways to properly discard them. It is indispensable to provide a future infrastructure for recycling and reusing old electronic equipment. Greenpeace states that the demand for new technology creates 4,000 tons of e-waste an hour, which often ends up as dead hardware on the mountains in India, Africa and China. Many computer companies are trying to address these concerns, and Dell is leading the way. Last year, the PC maker recovered 40,000 tons of unwanted equipment for recycling, up 93% from 2005. information on recycling electronics; it is sorted by state and county. EIA is a national trade organization representing more than 80% of the electronics industry. Earth 911 is a nonproﬁt organization that maintains a website with community-speciﬁc information on reuse and recycling opportunities. The website is sorted by ZIP Code and includes resources with information about electronics recycling and the environment. eBay’s Rethink Initiative oﬀers information, tools and solutions that make it easy to sell, donate or recycle used computers and electronics. The National Cristina Foundation (NCF) accepts donations of used computer equipment from individuals and corporations in all 50 states. In turn, NCF directs the equipment to nonproﬁt organizations, schools and public agencies that use the equipment for training, job development, educational programs and other related projects to improve the lives of people with disabilities, students at risk and economically disadvantaged people. Computers for Schools places refurbished computers into the nation’s schools and educational institutions. The Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association promotes the collection of used wireless devices and lists members who collect devices for recycling. The Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation (RBRC) recycles portable rechargeable batteries with the following battery chemistries: Nickel Cadmium (Ni-Cd), Nickel Metal Hydride (Ni-MH), Lithium Ion (Li-ion) and Small Sealed Lead (Pb). These batteries are commonly found in cordless power tools, cellular and cordless phones, laptop computers, camcorders, digital cameras and remote control toys. The ideas presented are simple and easily applicable on a daily basis. We can also walk a little further instead of using the car, or participate in car pools or just say “no” to disposables. Just as Einstein discovered new forms with which to comprehend the world, we can find innovative ways to conserve the planet and keep it sustainable for future generations. Vera Angelico, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, is a licensed architect in New York and Michigan who specializes in mail center design. LEED Accredited Professionals have demonstrated a thorough understanding of green building practices and principles and familiarity with LEED requirements, resources and processes. Vera can be reached at 212-867-5849 or vangelico@aol.com. 16 MAY-JUNE 2008 | WWW.MAILINGSYSTEMSTECHNOLOGY.COM http://www.mailingsystemstechnology.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008

Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008 Contents Editor’s Note Peer to Peer It’s an Inside Job Greening Your Mail Center Adopting an Automated Document Factory Intelligent Mail and Address Quality 7 Steps to Combat “Do Not Mail” A Successful Resolution Q&A with Dan G. Blair, Chairman, Postal Regulatory Commission The Intelligent Mail Barcode Developing High-Performance Teams Simple Strategies to Save You Money A Powerful Social Network With Change, Comes Opportunity Increasing the Deliverability of Mail Kate’s Slate Products & Services People of Distinction Advertiser Index Sho Time

Mailing Systems Technology - May/June 2008

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