EcoATM Coming To a Town Near You
I was sitting at my desk, clicking through the morning e-mails and happened upon an article about ecoATMs. It’s a spankin’ new incentive-based recycling concept. Here’s how it works: You insert your old mobile phone into the ATM, the machine assess the value of said electronic device and, if there is any resale value, the machine offers you a store credit or the ability to donate the refund to charity. If your cell phone is trash, the ATM will recycle it for you. Cool, yes?
The first ecoATM was installed in Omaha, Nebraska, and collected 23 cell phones on its first day of operation. Word has it that soon consumers will be able to recycle MP3 players, digital cameras and even computers and printers via the ecoATM. Sounds like a success story to me.
So what do you think? Should we install one at HGTV Green Home this year? Would you like one in your home town?
Thanks for the Green Trend thread, MARY. Inserting old mobile phones into an "ATM" slot and receiving store credit sounds like an excellent way to recycle—but how do you get your vintage computer and printer into the slot? Do you have to dismantle it first and cut it up into little pieces?
Seriously though, when it really pays to recycle, that's the bottom line for most folks, and smart business.
As to installing an EcoATM at the HGTV Green Home, I think it would be a great idea. Simply place it curbside so folks could drive up and deposit their old electronics, as long as all the dollar credits go towards paying the property taxes. Hmmm, I may consider placing one in my own front yard!
On another note, under the "Newest Comments" window (above, right), do not click on the individual's screen name unless you know that they have been a regular blogger, regardless of post content. It's no different than opening an email from an unknown sender, and is a commonsense security precaution.
I recently had dropped off an old cell phone at a local retailer; donated cell phones were then recycled for victims of domestic violence. My understanding is that some local fire or police stations have also acted as collection centers (for the same cause). I personally haven't checked out the site (and can't vouch for it), but about a year ago, a local publication encouraged readers to visit donateaphone.com to find a local drop-off location.
Also, I dropped off an old radio, which was electronic waste, at our community's "household hazardous waste collection center." There are so many great recycling programs out there.
Mary, well I think you have your answer. If you want to install a ecoATM, perhaps it could be in New Mexico, Most communities in the mid-west and east have marvelous recycling facilities. If you are going to install that box, please keep in far away from the Green Home.
Case closed, I hope.
Thanks for the great advice, Show Me. Have you checked out Albuquerque yet? If so, tell us what you think about the area.
I don't think it will be able to take large number of units in a day. what if someone do not like the value of there device and want it back. then what?
Home decor guy
http://www.homedecornew.com
Haven't been to Albuquerque or NM so far this year. I'm still getting caught up from the long sojourn in Phuket, my quick DC business trip, and a brief getaway to the L.A. basin area. Even with Show Me to help out at home, I can only do so much traveling and still keep up with life's more mundane daily requirements.
Even more frustrating is that I have a two-week cruise coming up that's going to interfere with any other travel plans. By the time I return, it'll be too cold to head towards NM, and I'll be forced to wait until the weather warms up to acceptable S CA native temps. If only I could find someone to do the cruise for me, then I'd be free to plan my New Mexico Dream Home discovery tour! So many miles to travel–so little time to fit it all in.
While you're debating whether to recycle your old cell phone for store credit at the nearest EcoATM, consider another one of civilizations great achievements, the automobile. In the early days of the 20th century, Massachusetts played a big part in fashioning that history.
So, whether you live nearby or are a Green Home fan visiting the Boston, Massachusetts area, if you enjoy automotive history, there are several good choices of motorcar museums within close proximity. You can combine a visit to historic Plymouth and nearby Boston with up close views of some fine examples of vintage Americana. Beginning to the north of Boston in Beverly, MA is the Walker Transportation Museum, the private collection of Laurence Breed Walker. In the Boston suburb of Brookline is the Larz Anderson Auto Museum, called home to "America's oldest car collection." The stately Anderson mansion is a masterpiece in itself. On Cape Cod, in the old town of Sandwich is the Heritage Museum and Gardens (which includes a Springfield, MA built 1922 Rolls-Royce) The motorcars are in the private collection of Josiah K Lilly III..
Three cheers for the Plymouth Pilgrims & Automotive Pioneers.
Aw, Coop: I hope you have thawed out in the S CA sun long enough to regain your senses. Too cold to visit NM? But if you won the fabulous Dream Home, would you only live there in the summer? Is your cruise to Alaska? I'll pass. Plymouth MA can get pretty chilly too, but not as cold as Michigan, where you would also find some amazing auto collections. I would love to visit the stately Anderson mansion, so thank you for that info.
Maybe we both need a dose of Marie Miller's knowledge, chit-chat and tips. Hurry back, Marie, I miss you.
Love this idea! I think I'll put one on my front porch!
Living the Dream!
MARY, do you think the EcoATM could be set up to issue credits towards a landscape makeover by one of the HGTV designers? My back yard and pool/spa area need some inspiration to bring out its full potential and draw me (and guests) outside more often to enjoy it.
Remember, whatever the question, the answer is—Plymouth Rocks!
Frustrating… Two-week cruise?! Give me a break, Coop! What a great dilemma to have! (Still trying to figure out what's bad about that situation.)
I tell you what, if no one volunteers to go on that cruise for you, let me know. I'll try my best to relieve you of that burden.
You're definitely enjoying the pleasures of life Coop. There's nothing frustrating about that!
A Southern Caribbean cruise! For two weeks? And you're frustrated?!
Remedy: Be like HGTV. Gift your cruise reservation to a fellow blogger and let them invite someone to join them. I'm sure that would be a win-win situation for everyone. You'll be happy and they'll be happy!
Mary, thanks for sharing the lates in ecoATMs. I appreciate your love for green and green education. You're the perfect person for this job!
Well, Katydid, if I ever win one of the HGTV homes, it will certainly be just a summer home, UNLESS it happens to be somewhere with VERY mild winters. Cold weather and I don't get along. I did own a mountain home here in S CA (at 6,600 feet elevation) for several years, but after shoveling the decks a number of times during (after) winter snowstorms, I decided it wasn't fun anymore and sold it off. By the way, my parents lived in Northern Michigan shortly after coming over from Europe and getting married, but luckily they moved to the Napa Valley in time for my arrival! The only story I ever heard about the Michigan adventure was when my father slid the car into a ditch during an ice storm and ended up with a broken leg. Although I've never visited the state except for going through the Detroit airport, I'm willing to give it a try one of these summers, vintage autos and all.
And as you have asked, no Alaska cruise this time—I'm heading for the Southern Caribbean, down to Aruba and around and about.
Plymouth Passages and Caribbean Cruises…I'll take one of each please.
Dear Coop: Well, we have something in common….cold weather and I don't get along either. You are just much more fortunate in your home base and travels and I'm sure you deserve it. I am so sorry to hear the story of your dad sliding off the icy road and breaking a leg. That kind of thing does happen in Michigan. On the other hand, when you are safe in your home and come out in the morning after an ice storm and see the tree limbs, bushes and everything sparkling like diamonds it is an amazing sight. Of course, the downed power lines is a detriment. But please visit us in the summer and bring your sunscreen lotion.
Plymouth's temp is a bit milder, more rain, less snow. Yes, PLYMOUTH ROCKS!
Coop, let me know how the cruise goes!!! My son wants to go on one and then make a stop in the Caribbean to stay at the Atlantis (he loves the water slide going through the shark, infested water …. can't really call it an aquarium, as it is larger than most hotels!)… So, I was thinking of planning one for him… maybe his birthday…… Mary, yes, Thank you for info on the EcoATM's. It just goes to show you that more and more people are demanding green and lean inventions, etc. Love life by living green!!