Help prevent hazardous waste

Leading up to Earth Day and the 'green' issue of urbanbaby & toddler magazine (to hit the streets starting March 1), here's a cool initiative by Green Earth Organics, as outlined in the company's press release today:

Throughout the month of February members of Green Earth Organics will be able to downsize the clutter in their homes and feel good about it by knowing that their old electronics and batteries are not contributing to toxic waste in landfills. Drivers working for this grocery delivery service will be taking away unwanted items in bins as they drop off containers full of healthy organic foods. At the end of the month Green Earth Organics will then drop off used electronics to the Return-It Program.

According to Earth911.com, electronic waste accounts for 70 percent of the overall toxic waste currently found in landfills. In addition to valuable metals like aluminum electronics often contain hazardous materials like mercury. When placed in a landfill these materials can contaminate soil as well as drinking water. With a vision to develop, manage and improve systems to recover used packaging and end-of-life product from consumers to ensure that they are properly recycled and not land-filled or incinerated the Return-It Program is a not-for-profit, product stewardship corporation.

Besides old batteries, Green Earth members will be able to dispose of desktop computers, laptop computers, printers, and monitors. Nasreen from Burnaby who has received deliveries for more than a year was proud to be a recipient of this unique service, "We feel we share the same philosophy of trying to make a difference to help lighten our environmental footprint. The community-based focus, various tips and the pick-up of used batteries were much appreciated."

For more info, visit www.greenearthorganics.com.