Girlfriends Do It Greener - E-Waste

The GF Green Challenge

Last month Planet Ark challenged you (and the GF office) to plant a tree. Ever since the challenge was issued we have looked at trees in a different light and really appreciated how useful they are to the environment. Remember that every tree you walk past is responsible for absorbing loads of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere; they make hard work look so easy!

This month we are introducing e-waste, the next big thing to hurt the earth! If you own or use a mobile phone, iPod, TV, stereo or computer, listen up! Eventually when our electrical goods become out of date or stop working, we often don’t know what to do with them so they end up in the bin. Naughty, naughty! E-waste is growing at three times the rate of Australia’s normal kerbside waste and this is a messy problem. E-waste is made up of plastics, metals and components like lead, cadmium and mercury, which can be damaging to the environment if not disposed of correctly. Just 1/70th of a teaspoon of mercury can contaminate up to 20 acres of a lake, making the fish unfit to eat.

And now for your challenge... help ease the e-waste burden by making sure you dispose of your e-waste correctly. Get rid of gadgets the right way before you’re tempted to throw them in the bin. Dig up all the old mobile phones in your household and recycle them through Mobile Muster. Visit recyclingnearyou.com.au to find out where you can recycle large items like computers, printers, faxes, TVs and microwaves, and take your used printer cartridges to the “Cartridges 4 Planet Ark” collection boxes at Australia post, Officeworks, Harvey Norman, Tandy or Dick Smith Electronics and PowerHouse stores. You can also get your school to sign up for the “Cartridges 4 Planet Ark” program. To do this call: 1800 242 473


Send your suggestions for Green Challenge of the Month or feedback on your challenge experience to girlfriend@pacificmags.com.au, or leave a comment on the comments board below!

Previous Challenges:
Plant a Tree