Start the School Year GREEN

It's back to school time and there are many great deals and discounts on the latest electronic gadgets for students everywhere. But consider this time of year the perfect time to check your electronics that you will rely on to complete many important assignments over the next few months. Save money time and the environment this school year by Reducing, Reusing and Recycling.

Think ReUse with laptops, calculators and phones which many times only need to get a new battery, rather than having to replace the entire unit. This is also a great time to do a tune-up on the laptop by deleting old files and optimizing the hard drive, also using compressed air to clean out the built-up dust between the keys and the computer fans.

ReCycle those old sets of ear buds, headphones and speakers that may have burned out. Although the speakers may be busted, the components can be recycled to create new speakers or other electronics. You can also recycle old laptop and cell phone batteries since they cannot be thrown into the garbage. Recycle your old surge protectors if the indicator light has gone off — on most models, if the surge proctor has been tripped, you are no longer protected from power spikes. Remember to check all of your electrical cords for kinks or fraying, and replace immediately if you find either.

ReDuce your impact this year on the environment by investing in rechargeable batteries; they can be recharged many times and last for years. Consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR rated printer, these types of printers are more energy efficient than older models and meet the same government standards much like your larger home appliances.Consider reducing your electric use by unplugging chargers each morning before leaving for school or work or placing all items on a power strip and turning the entire power strip off.

Northeast Recycle Group, located in Cranston, RI currently accepts many types of electronics for recycling free of charge, including lithium-ion and rechargeable batteries cell phone chargers and surge protectors. To schedule a drop off call (401) 354-2991