Return labels for recyclables?

As early as 1993, Paul Hawken, in The Ecology of Commerce, described a process where at “end of life” products could be returned to their manufacturers, dismantled, and the parts reused for new products.

While we’re still several steps from actually using old cell phone parts in new cell phones - or other electronic products - at least the manufacturer has a way to take the old item back.

On this same note, have you noticed little folded up envelopes in the cartons for inkjet cartridges? Look closely, you might miss them. HP, for example, inserts a little postage paid return envelope - printed with green ink - in which you can return your cartridges to be reused. The company refills or recycles those that are returned.

However if you want to eliminate the long ride “home” for the cartridges, try my alternative. I drive no more than 2 miles to a small shop nearby that refills them. Why?

1. I’m supporting a small business locally (yes, I know it’s a franchise, but it’s still locally owned and run).
2. I don’t have to send the cartridges thousands of miles away for refilling.
3. I pay MUCH less for the refills than I pay for new cartridges.

All in all, I like the idea that someone is aggregating recyclables, but it’s not the only alternative.

Whether you send your inkjet cartridges or your cell phone back to the manufacturer to be recycled, at least you have the means to make it their responsibility.

Check out the discussion titled “Is the Post Office the Future’s Recycling Center?” at EcoGeek, a site that devotes its pages to exploring the symbiosis between nature and technolog: www.EcoGeek.org