How to go GREEN in 2014

Without a doubt, everything we do on a daily basis has an impact on the environment.  We all have a choice and a responsibility to do the right thing and protect our planet.

Real, organic food is good for you. Understandably, going completely organic may not make sense for everyone’s food budget. Try picking one or two commonly consumed items – whether it’s milk, butter, cheese, fruit, or vegetable – and purchase the organic item. Whole Foods and Trader Joes carry an enormous selection of organic product. Surprisingly, your local Wal-Mart has quite a selection of organic foods as well. A few dietary changes here and there will not only be better for your family, but better for our delicate environment.

My goal for the New Year is to drink more water (from the tap), walk as opposed to driving when necessary, and recycle everything I can. Most waste disposal companies offer a single sort recycling solution for cardboard, paper, aluminum, plastic, and metal cans. Use them.

More importantly, I am committing to ensuring that everyone takes part in recycling their old, out-of-date, unused, unloved, electronics as opposed to merely throwing them in trash can. You certainly don’t want your data (computer hard drives, cell phones, etc.) trusted to the security of an unlocked plastic trash can in your front yard and you certainly don’t want to be responsible for putting the following hazardous substances in a landfill. Yes, these items are often contained in your electronics….Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Lead, and PVC (yep – as in PVC pipes) etc. etc. etc. The list is enormous and would take up an entire year’s worth of blogging to list everything. In short – you don’t want to throw these items in the trash when you can responsibly recycle them.

If your company doesn’t offer an electronics recycling program, encourage them to do so.This is especially true with data containing devices (hard drives, cell phones, etc.) - my company can shred hard drives while you watch. If your community doesn’t offer Electronic recycling drives, then encourage them to do so. A call or visit to your elected official or City Administrator may be all it takes. Demand a nationally certified Electronics Recycler with a current R2 certification. My company, MRC Electronics Recycling, holds a current R2 Certification AND we are registered with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as a Level 4 Electronics Recycler (the highest level attainable). We get audited regularly for process, downstream, data destruction/security, safety, and compliance as we are committed to providing our communities, businesses, schools, and churches a responsible solution for responsible recycling.

For more information or to schedule a tour of one of our facilities, you can email me at scott@midwrc.net, call me at 314-623-8979, or visit our website at www.midwrc.net . Have a great new year, eat well, and make a green commitment to recycle your electronics.

I’m off – time for another water. Be well J