Green Living Solution: Best Buy Electronics Recycling Program

We do a lot of recycling. Most weeks, both of our recycle bins are filled to the top, and sometimes we even have to put an extra box out. We tend to have just as much recycling as trash, although of course some weeks are exceptions. Curb side recycling is all well and good when it comes to paper, plastic, glass, and metal cans. But what about the big stuff, like electronics? Have you ever just tossed an old television or broken DVD player in the garbage, without giving it a second thought? I know I have. But now I know that there is a better solution.

Did you know that any Best Buy store in the U.S. and Puerto Rico will recycle your electronics at no cost to you? They will recycle just about any electronic product, purchased from any store, no matter how old it is. Some states do have certain restrictions. For more specific information, you can visit the Best Buy website. Once there, you will see a list of items typically accepted for recycling in Best Buy stores. To find the program details specific to your state, select your state from the drop down menu.

In Michigan, the following guidelines apply:

• Seven items per household may be recycled per day
• Most electronics are accepted, including tube TVs and monitors up to 32", flat-panel TVs and monitors up to 60", peripherals, DVD players, home and car audio, cell phones, MP3 players, and cables.
• Desktop and laptop computers are accepted
• Small electronic items, such as fans and vacuums, are accepted
• Electronics containing refrigerants are not accepted
• Console TVs of any size, or tube TVs and monitors larger than 32" are not accepted
• Appliances are not accepted
• There is a haul away or pick-up program available for appliances and large TVs (fees may apply)
• Disassembled TVs and monitors are not accepted

Remember to check the guidelines for your own state, as they may differ.

Looking over that list, I feel guilty about all of our electronics that have gone out with the trash! From now on, I'll know better!

With technology being so prevalent in most households, and new products coming out everyday, it is no wonder that electronics are the fastest growing source of waste in the world! Many of those products are purchased in Best Buy stores, so they are dedicated to being part of the solution. Best Buy recycles an unbelievable 387 pounds of electronics for every MINUTE their stores are open. That's over a quarter millions pounds of electronics per day! You can count on Best Buy to safely and responsibly dispose of your old electronics.

Once you take your old electronics to Best Buy for recycling, you may want to consider replacing those items with Energy Star certified products. To learn more about Energy Star certified electronics, visit the Best Buy website.

Did you know that Best Buy had an electronics recycling program? Have you ever used it? 

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Living Green At School : Enter Global Green USA's Green Schools Makeover Competition

Living green is important to me. (I'm an obsessive recycler - just ask Chris...). Actually, way back in high school, a looooooong time ago, Chris was responsible for starting our school's recycling program when he helped form an Environmental Club. Kids spend a lot of time in school, so it's vital to promote living green in the classroom as well as at home. Recycling is just one aspect of a green lifestyle. We also try to eat natural, organic foods as much as possible, and to conserve water and electricity. Not only is it good for the environment, it's also cost beneficial and healthier, both for families at home and for schools and businesses.


Pureology is presenting the Global Green USA's Green Schools Makeover Competition. Here are a few benefits of a green school:

• Better student performance - even improved test scores.
• Improved health, for students and teachers.
• More money for student resources (when less is being spent on energy and water).
• Reduced carbon dioxide emissions, leading to reduced carbon footprint.
• Water conservation.
• Encouraging future environmental awareness and education.

I became aware of this competition through Influenster. For more information, and to enter, please visit www.pureology.com/greenschools. Influenster members who participate in the competition are eligible for a special bonus gift from Pureology.


The Grand Prize winner's school will win a green makeover valued at $65,000! Plus, four finalists will win $2500 to use toward green upgrades.


What are you waiting for? Do something for your local school and enter the competition. You have until September 30, 2011.