December 27, 2010

Recycled Phones Help Local Ministry
Recycling Reduces Pollution and Benefits Kids 4 Christ
Phone & Ink Collection Boxes in Local Businesses

This Christmas one of the most popular gifts under the tree is a new mobile phone. New smart phones like a Droid, Blackberry Torch, or iPhone that combine the features of a desktop computer with the convenience of a cell phone are rapidly replacing older phones limited to simply making calls or placing text messages. But with so many people getting a new phone, what should we do with the old ones?

Currently in the United States alone over 10 million phones are replaced every single month; most of those contribute to pollution, either taking up space in a landfill or burned. Improper disposal of a mobile phone can contaminate air or water with lead, beryllium, zinc, arsenic, and several other toxic materials. The only completely safe way to dispose of unused cell phones is to recycle them, an option now made much easier for residents of Walker County.

Phone collection boxes are located inside Cohutta Bank in LaFayette, The Care Mission, Kids 4 Christ, and all three branches of the Bank of LaFayette (downtown, West LaFayette, and Rock Spring). used ink jet printer cartridges can also be recycled in the same locations. Collected phones and ink tanks go to a Taxas-based organization that packages them for reuse in developing countries or recycles them to reclaim materials for use in new products.

All profits from phone and ink recycling goes to benefit the ministries of Kids 4 Christ in LaFayette. Kids 4 Christ provides free after school academic assistance, Bible classes, and youth building programs to at-risk kids living right here in Walker County. For more about Kids 4 Christ or ways you can participate in phone and ink recycling please call 706 639 3234 or e-mail info@k4c.info.

This Christmas don't throw away that old phone or empty ink cartridge - recycle them to reduce pollution and help an organization working to improve the lives of local children.