cell phonesDespite the abundance of companies now out there that recycle cell phones and other electronics, many people still don't know that their cell phone can be recycled. It can, and it should. Every year, over 100 million cell phones are thrown away, causing damage to our ecosystems. Discarded cell phones can leak lead, cadmium, mercury, arsenic, and other toxic substances, polluting the water supply and the air.

There are many companies that will recycle your old cell phone. They range from ones who will buy the phone from you for a few bucks, to ones that will donate to your chosen charity, and even one who will plant a tree for every cell phone donated.

From iRecyclePhones.com:

With American Forest’s and the public’s help, iRecyclePhones.com will plant trees throughout locations in need of environmental restoration, including areas damaged by wildfire and urban communities that lack green coverage.

There is no cost in sending the company your cell phone. You just print out their shipping label, which can be found on their site, attach it to the box with your phone in it, and mail it off; they pay the shipping costs.

Other companies that will recycle your cell phone include Cell For Cash, who will buy the phone from you, Recycling for Charities, who donates proceeds from your cell phones and other electronic devices to the charity of your choice, and Call to Protect, where proceeds from phones will go to help agencies that fight domestic violence and other phones will be refurbished and given to domestic violence survivors.

Some stores have donation boxes to drop your phones in, including Best Buy, and some of the online programs also have drop boxes that can be found through searches on their websites. There are many other cell phone recycling programs out there, these are just to give you an idea of what is available. If the programs listed here aren't suited for you, you might be able to find one that is on 50 Ways to Leave Your Cell Phone at VoIP News.

Remember to remove your information from your phone before recycling it. Cancel your service (unless you have switched it to a new phone), clear stored information such as your contacts, and take out your SIM card, if your phone has one.


Summer is coming and it's time to start thinking swim suits. If you've been getting in shape over the winter (or even if you haven't!) a nice swimsuit can be a treat. Head to the beach this summer in eco-conscious swimwear and you'll not only look great, but feel great, too.

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I'm just posting a quick one because I forgot to mention on Thursday about the chance to win 3 months of organic flowers for Mother's Day. Click here for your chance. The contest is run by the same company whose flowers I posted about on Thursday, and is free to enter! Contest ends May 5th, so get your entries in now!

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