September 22, 2003
For Immediate Release
Green Star, Alaska Women’s Resource Center,
and ACS Give Cell Phones Second Chance
As a result of Green Star’s Electronic Recycling event held this past spring, over 50 cell phones were recently donated to Alaska Women’s Resource Center (AWRC) in a coordinated effort with Green Star, and Alaska Communications Systems (ACS). Businesses and residential users were encouraged to bring their cell phones in for reuse and recycling at the May event. Hundreds of cell phones were collected and then turned over to ACS who donated their time for inspection and reprogramming. After eliminating cell phones that were obsolete, broken, or missing proper charging units, a total of 59 cell phones were donated to the Center.
The cell phones, which are programmed for 911 Emergency calls only, are given to at-risk clients as a component of an overall safety plan. AWRC and legal advocates help clients formulate plans for keeping themselves and their children safe from harm, of which, a cell phone plays a critical role. Mary Whitmore, with Alaska Women’s Resource Center, stated, “If we had them, we could give out about 50 phones a month”. Green Star is looking forward to increasing next year’s collection of cell phones, and providing more non-profits with a means to communicate. Meanwhile, AWRC welcomes on-going donations of working cell phones (along with the appropriate chargers), and ACS will continue its assistance with reprogramming.
Green Star’s first electronics recycling effort was successful due to a grant from Anchorage Solid Waste Services, funding from BP, and tremendous support from local businesses and volunteers. The event provided affordable electronics recycling to the community in an effort to raise public awareness, protect the environment, and recycle electronic components into new, usable products. The next event is tentatively planned for spring of 2004.
Green Star is a non-profit organization that encourages businesses and organizations to practice waste reduction, energy conservation, and pollution prevention through education, technical assistance, and a publicly recognized awards program. For further information regarding Green Star, please call us at 278-7827, or visit our website at www.greenstarinc.org.
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