E-cycling is simply the recycling of electronics. Americans produced around 2.5 million tons of electronic waste in 2007. Electronics contain lead, mercury and cadmium. These toxins can leak into water systems as well into animal habitats. Allen Hershkowitz, a senior scientist and authority on waste management at the Natural Resources Defense Council explained "The problem with e-waste is that it is the fastest-growing component of the municipal waste stream worldwide," he said. Asked what he meant by "fastest-growing," Hershkowitz said. "Well, we throw out about 130,000 computers every day in the United States." And he said over 100 million cell phones are thrown out annually. E-cycling can be the green solution for this e-waste which will reduce your carbon footprint.
Just some of the options for consumers who would like to e-cycle:
from FindersKeypers.com
Now, e-cycling can be as easy as going to a local store and dropping your used electronics off. More and more companies are onboard with e-cycling. Check with your company or school to see if they practice e-cycling. If not, you could start an e-cycling program. It's easy to see that e-cycling is eco-friendly and is very important for a greener and cleaner future.
