I recently wrote an article about recycling your cell phone. I had mentioned that there were places that you could drop off your phone in person and that there are websites that will help you recycle your electronics.

One of these sites is www.YouRenew.com. YouRenew is a great place that will allow you to sell or recycle your electronics in a few easy steps. It also does not take long to complete the process; so with a little bit of time and some unwanted electronics, you could be making the world a better place and making money!

YouRenew was founded in a dorm office when two men, Bob and Rich, realized that they were losing value on their old electronics. They recognized that the rapid progression of technology often resulted in spending hundreds of dollars on items of technology that were soon outdated. From personal experience, I know that I bought the first generation iPod Touch a month before the second generation came out, and I had no idea that it was going to come out! Had I known that I would have paid less money for a better and newer iPod.

When people continue to buy the latest and the greatest, the older item often gets discarded or thrown into a corner–essentially a waste of X amount of dollars. A main cause of this is because there is no easy way to recycle electronics.  Bob and Rich realized this and took action–forming YouRenew.

YouRenew receives thousands of items every month. They are able to resell 70% of these items, and the rest are recycled.

In a recent interview, the Director of Marketing and PR, Alysa Perry, provided us with more insight about YouRenew.com.  Alysa stated, “We are committed to educating people on the importance of electronics recycling. E-waste is the fastest growing stream of trash in the United States and we’ve made it our mission to stop that.”

When you go to retire a piece of electronic equipment, first try to see if there is a place for you to recycle, resell, or reuse it!

A common practice that I have been seeing is cell phone recycling. While ten years ago cell phones were not something that most of the population had, we now see that even ten year olds are walking around with cell phones!

Some of these ten year olds are walking around with their parents’ old phones, but there are others who receive brand new phones. Parents could save a lot of money by reusing their phones. Not only this, but throwing away the phone could mean that you are throwing away a phone that potentially could be used by someone else who cannot afford to buy a phone.

Every year Americans discard over 100 million cell phones. That is over 50,000 tons of waste, and the amount of recycled phones is extremely low.  Cell phones are made up of dangerous materials, such as arsenic, zinc and lead. When thrown into landfills, these materials can seep into the groundwater or be incinerated and therefore end up in the air that we breathe. Recycling cell phones will help to preserve the environment.

Many cell phone companies offer contract deals–meaning that, for instance, after two years you can buy a new phone for a certain deal. Getting a new phone every two years is not entirely necessary. Some people end up putting away perfectly good phones! Think about how many people in America are on these 2-year contract plans, and now think about how many phones that is!

While some stores have cell phone drop-off spots, recycling cell phones has not become a common practice. There are even websites that will allow you to sell or donate your old cell phones. One website is GRC Wireless Recycling. They will buy used cell phones from businesses, individuals, and municipal recyclers if you sell them at least 10 phones. You also can simply donate phones, or they will support you in organizing a cell phone fundraiser through a nonprofit organization, a school, or a community group.

So, next time you go to discard your old cell phone, try finding a place to recycle it! Either someone could use it and appreciate it, or someone will discard it in a safe manner!

We know the three Rs of being green: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. Thriftyfun.com is a Website that really allows users to take the 2nd R to its fullest potential. In the past, the word “thrifty” had a negative connotation. A packrat might be considered thrifty. Now, however, someone who is thrifty is economical and practical. On Thrifty Fun, you will find many unique uses for things you might regularly throw away. These ideas come from creative minds all over the country, so there is bound to be something you can use.

For example, did you notice that those bags that cat food comes in are very strong and durable? The material is called Duraweave, and with just scissors, thread, pins and a sewing machine, you can make a tote bag that can be put to use again and again.

Not only does the site offer many one-of-a-kind crafts, but it also has a forum for questions. Recently, a visitor asked what she could do with her empty medicine bottles, and she received a myriad of solutions. Some members suggested using them to store smaller sewing or craft items such as bead or needles. Another member wrote that her husband actually screws the cap to the bottom of a shelf in her workroom so she can keep screws and nails in an easily-accessed, organized manner. If the bottles are colorful you can even make a quirky wreath!

You also can ask for help on repairs, so instead of throwing a broken appliance away, you might be able to salvage it and get a few more uses out of it.

I actually came across Thrifty Fun following a link on The Green Guide. You know on Valentine’s Day when children pass out all those little cards and goodies? Instead of handing out dozens of store-bought Valentine’s cards and candies, you can make your own paper with anything from old greeting cards to magazines to egg cartons. Wouldn’t that be a cool project for the kids? Thrifty Fun has suggestions for nearly every topic from computers to weddings. Check it out!

What is better than helping care for our planet?  Helping care for our planet and providing shoes to needy children around the world.  The founders of GreenSoul Shoes plan to accomplish both of these goals.  Formed as a venture by Alastair Onglingswan, Iris Chau, and Stephen Chen, their mission is to provide one pair of shoes for every pair of 100% recycled shoes they sell, with a final goal of donating 1 million pairs of shoes.

The shoes will be made by artisans around the world.  Currently, they are working with artisans in Cambodia, Vietnam, and Peru.  Shoeless children in these communities will be the recipients of the donated shoes.  Using artisans from these countries has an additional benefit.  As it is noted on their website, “(W)e provide local employment opportunities and empower them to lift themselves from the claws of poverty.”

Speaking with Alastair, I learned that they already have received 200 orders and pre-orders for these sandals.  These shoes are due to arrive in New York and be distributed from there.

Distributing shoes to needy children requires contact with UNICEF and solving certain issues. “They have consulted with us on a number of different things including: how to ascertain the number of villagers that we will be distributing sandals to; determining the right local partner to help us do a shoe distribution; and how to make sure that the kids actually wear the shoes rather than selling them,” Alastair noted.  “Our first shoe drop will likely be in Manila, Philippines, with an organization called the Philippine Christian Foundation.”

To order a pair of Alpha sandals (their original model), simply visit shop.greensoulshoes.org.  Shoes are available in men’s, women’s, and (some) children’s sizes for $45.  Remember, when you purchase a pair for yourself, a second pair is donated to a needy child.  So, not only do you help others, but you get something for yourself also.

Are you trying to live a green lifestyle? This series explores different cities and their efforts to go green. So, it doesn’t matter if you just moved there or simply are going for a vacation. This series explores the green establishments you can visit in the city.

Food

1. Pizza Fusion

Pizza Fusion promises to deliver pizzas that use earth-conscious, environmentally-friendly ingredients and boxes. They deliver pizza using hybrid vehicles and provide their employees with eco-friendly apparel for their uniforms. And they encourage their customers to bring in their pizza boxes for recycling by giving discounts. They use fresh and organic materials in their pizzas to support the environment and organic agriculture. They even offer organic classes for kids to teach them about the significance of organic living. What are you waiting for? Save the Earth. Call Pizza Fusion now!

3827 5th Avenue, San Diego, CA 92103; Tel. (619)278-0057

2. Lean and Green

Located inside an office complex, Lean and Green may be hard to find. But once you find it, prepare to be dazzled by its varied selection of vegan, organic and gluten-free items. They serve breakfast, lunch and dinner, consisting of sandwiches, salads, wraps, smoothies and organic juices. All the flatware and dinnerware they use are recycled and biodegradable. Best to order online and avoid long lines.

7825 Fay Ave, Suite 180, La Jolla, CA 92037; Tel. (858)459-5326

Hotels

Hotel Solamar

Be sure to stay at Hotel Solamar and join their Earthcare Program. This program was designed to practice sustainable ways to protect the environment. Toiletries are made from natural materials. They’ve installed a comprehensive recycling program, including providing recycle bins in each rooms for the guests’ convenience. Eco-friendly cleaning supplies and methods are practiced by the employees of the hotel. Save Mother Earth, stay at Hotel Solamar.

435 6th Ave, San Diego, CA 92101; Tel.(619)819-9500

Shopping

Migrate Home

Migrate Home features environmentally-sustainable furniture perfect for the nature lovers’ homes, as well as eco-friendly clothing. They also support local talent by using their works to decorate their walls.

937 South Coast Hwy 101, Suite C103, Encinitas, CA 92024; Tel. (760)632-8284

Next stop: Seattle, Washington

Going green and new technology are growing trends that also seem to be going hand in hand in today’s world. People are trying their best to “be green” while others are trying to develop the newest and the greatest pieces of technology. Others are combining the two, knowing that today’s society will be more accepting of green gadgets than something that could potentially harm the world.

Here are some examples of green gadgets that people have been coming up with.

One gadget is a solar powered WiFi repeater. Meraki is the company that came up with this solar-powered Wi-Fi repeater that can provide Internet access to people in remote regions. It is energy independent and is easy to set up. It is composed of a mesh radio, a solar panel, and a pole mount. However, though this gadget seems like something that you would want to go out and buy right away, you may want to hear about the price first. A major drawback, this gadget is priced anywhere from $900 to $1500 dollars. Yikes!

Looking to charge your batteries? Have you ever thought about using a solar powered charger to charge your batteries? That is right, you could be anywhere in the world, and you will be able to charge your batteries with this newly developed charger. Created by Energizer, this solar battery recharger is eco-friendly and will allow you to charge both your AA and AAA batteries. Of course, these batteries have to be rechargeable in order for the renewable energy to do any work. The Energizer charger also includes a USM port. This will allow you to charge various amounts of electronic devices, such as mobile phones, GPSs, cameras, and everybody’s favorite toy–the iPod. You can also use the charger like a typical battery charger would be used on a cloudy day or during the night.

Going green has become a huge fad. People have realized this, and they continue to come up with neat little toys and tricks that incorporate this fad with technology. I wonder what other little gadgets will be in existance in a few years from now.

EDITOR’S NOTE: Today’s article is a guest post written by James O’Shea, representative of maacenter, the web’s leading organization for relevant and authoritative information regarding asbestos and health complications associated with asbestos exposure. Their organization is staffed entirely by writers and other developers who recognize the importance of building awareness in the fight against cancer.

In recent years there has been a great deal of national attention focused on the improvement of industrial environmental standards. Even as we attempt to rebuild our economy, we seem to be focused on not only restoring industry, but also using this as an opportunity to do it in a way that is not environmentally destructive. This provides us the opportunity to improve all aspects of these industries, including the workplace hazards among workers and the health hazards affecting members of the surrounding communities that were all too common.

What many people may fail to realize is that not only does the health of our planet depend on improved environmental standards, but our health may as well. Health complications of industry can essentially be divided into two categories, both direct and indirect.

Direct health conditions which have arisen as a result of the burning of fossil fuels, for instance, are increased asthmas rates in areas with high smog indices. Even mild cases of asthma can deteriorate overall respiratory capacity over time and leave breathing seriously diminished if the quality of the air people breathe is unimproved. Release of chlorofluorocarbons into the atmosphere has shown to lower  our filtered sunlight, increasing ultraviolet light exposure. Ultraviolet light has been linked conclusively to skin cancer. Perhaps it is no surprise then that skin cancer incidences in countries like South Africa and Australia, where the atmosphere is most diminished, is much higher than other areas of the earth.

Indirect health consequences include those which can be attributed to antiquated industrial infrastructure, including toxin exposure among workers. Oil refinery workers, for instance, are shown to have a much higher chance of developing mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, than those in cleaner industries. While asbestos was banned for most uses in the late 1970s, several of these refineries and factories still are using pre-ban equipment, which is exposing workers to harmful asbestos fibers.

We see then that there is a clear advantage to implementation of cleaner, more sustainable energy policies and environmental attitudes, not only for the health or our planet and our posterity, but that of the world’s population even today.

Looking for eco-friendly shops and restaurants in the Los Angeles County? Then you’ve come to the right place! I’ve compiled a list of places you can visit. Check them out!

Dining Out

1. The Green Temple

Located in Redondo Beach, The Green Temple offers different dishes from breakfast to dinner. All ingredients come from local farms and organic sources. They bake their dishes in glass, and they only use filtered water when cooking. They offer only vegan and vegetarian menu items. So, if you’re looking for any kind of meat, you’re better off going to another place.

1700 S. Catalina Ave. Redondo Beach, CA 90277; Tel. (310)944-4525

2. Real Food Daily

The Real Food Daily has two locations in Los Angeles to serve your vegetarian needs. Their menu is inspired by Eastern health philosophies combined with healthy Western nutritional recommendations. Their food is low in fat, has no meat, fish, fowl, dairy, eggs or any animal by-products. They only use organic produce spiced up by fresh herbs, spices and salt.

514 Santa Monica Blvd. Santa Monica, CA 90401; Tel. (310) 451-7544

414 N. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90048; Tel. (310) 289-9910

Shop Around

1. Patagonia

Patagonia sells clothes, including shorts, dresses and jackets, as well as accessories and luggage made with environmentally-friendly materials. Materials include organic cotton, recycled polyester and nylon, hemp and chlorine-free wool. And when the clothes you buy start to wear out, simply send them to Patagonia to be recycled into new clothes again.

47 N. Fair Oaks Ave. Pasadena, CA 90405; Tel. (626)795-0319

2. El Natura Lista

El Natura Lista proudly produces footwear made of recycled materials, including vegetable tanned leather, recycled rubber and cork. The insoles are all breathable, removable and anatomic. They gather inspiration for their designs from other cultures, stories and philosophies.

1230 Montana Ave., #104, Santa Monica, CA; Tel. (310)230-5688

Supporting these establishments not only help the environment but also supports a healthy philosophy and way of living.

Next city: San Diego

Yes, as the title says, there is a boat made out of plastic water bottles. This boat, called Plastiki, is made completely out of plastic bottles and recycled waste products. They plan to sail this boat starting in August 2009. When it is complete, Plastiki will be comprised of 12,500 2-liter plastic bottles that have been collected by Waste Management. The whole  boat will end up weighing 9 tons and will support a team of 6 crew members.

The boat also has a composting toilet on board, renewable energy, and a garden.

Why was this plastic boat made? Well, David De Rothschild, founder of the company Adventure Ecology, wanted to raise awareness about the Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch. He plans on sailing this boat made of only plastic bottles and recycled materials from  San Fransisco to Sydney, Australia. He wants to raise awareness about the Eastern Pacific Garbage Patch because it happens to be a floating landfill that is, get this, twice the size of Texas. Ever heard of it? I had not until now, but it apparently is located between California and Hawaii. It is because of this landfill that there are masses of plastic materials floating around in the oceans.

Yes, this boat will help the problem of doing nothing with plastic bottles, but that is not the main goal. The point of building this boat entirely from plastic is to make people more aware of being green and of recycling. He wants to get people talking and involved. For instance, did you know that we consume 200 billion liters of bottled water every year but that about only one in five bottles is actually recycled? I did not know that until I read an article about this new boat.

I think that this boat is a great invention–not only because it will use 12,500 plastic bottles but that it will start conversations and turn some heads. I wish the crew the best of luck as they venture from San Francisco to Sydney, Australia, with Plastiki!

Sponsored by National Geographic, The Green Guide is one of the most comprehensive and qualified sources you will find on the Web for making your everyday life green.

There are seven major categories that can you can go green in: Home & Garden, Personal Care, Kids, Health & Safety, Travel, Food, and Go Local (buying from local resources). Did you know that you can go green with virtually anything? Recently featured buying guides include fertilizer, plastic containers, and baby bottles.

For each specific product, The Green Guide provides a brief 101 on the topic, introduces its environment impact, outlines a product comparison, and presents a “smart shopper’s list.”

It will tell you the product that has the best value. For example, the best value fertilizer is Intervale Organic Compost, which is merely $12 for 37 pounds, is certified by the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA), and made from grass, lawn clippings, and other organic waste. It also will tell you the greenest product, which you may have guessed, in the case of fertilizer, is homemade compost. Homemade compost is easy to make and “keeps valuable kitchen scraps and lawn clippings out of landfills.”

What you may not know about conventional fertilizers is that that they are commonly derived from petroleum! “A single 40-pound bag contains the equivalent of 2.5 gallons of gasoline.” However, you can find out that organic fertilizers are not perfect either.

The Green Guide provides a very thorough analysis on each product; you can be sure that National Geographic has done its research before offering its large scope on, well, everything. Ziploc, a familiar brand, is noted as having the best value for plastic containers, while a less familiar name, Preserve Food Storage, is rated as the greenest product (it is 100% recycled and available from recycline.com).

All of the products reviewed by The Green Guide are independently chosen without influence from the product manufacturers, so the Web site is as objective as a Web site can strive to be. The next time you plan to make a purchase, check out what The Green Guide has to say, and you might find some helpful information, whether you are buying hardwood floors or household cleaners.