Protect Your Identity and the Environment

Today correspondences are received instantly and electronically saving time and natural resources. Paper trails consist of emails, texts, and PDF attachments. In some instances, hard copy documents containing sensitive personal information are printed out and filed for legal purposes.

Depending on the type of paperwork, organizational experts suggest households and businesses retain hard copy files for 3-5 years. Over the years these files add up. It’s not safe to dispose of files into the curbside recycling bin or into the dumpster without shredding. Rather than burn out the motor on a small home office shredder and fill up the landfills, Atlantans are encouraged to bring their old files* and the entire family for a fun day of activities at the 4th annual Great Shredder Event.

This year’s festivities is Saturday, Feb. 6th from 10 am – 4 pm at the Gwinnett Stadium. Sponsored by CBS Atlanta News and Bank of America, the event will include food, prizes, raffle, and a chance to meet your favorite CBS Atlanta News celebrity. Ask your “Tough Question” on camera, to be filmed for a future newscast.

Last year’s event shredded over 200 tons of paper - equivalent to saving 3,400 trees, 76,000 gallons of oil, 600 cubic yards of landfill, 800,000 kilowatts of energy (equals enough energy to power 71 houses per year), 1.4 million gallons of water, and 12,000 pounds of air pollution.

Also accepted this year for safe recycling are select electronics: Computers, Computer monitors, Computer keyboards, Computer mice, Fax machines, Printers, Printer ink cartridges, Gaming consoles, DVD players & VCRs, Cell phones & cell batteries, and Stereo systems. Electronics not accepted at this event include: TV's, Microwaves, and Major appliances.

Donations of non-perishable food products will also be accepted by the Atlanta Community Food Bank. Items most needed are: Peanut Butter, Canned Tuna, Canned Beans, Canned Soups, Stews and Pastas, 100% Fruit Juice, Canned Fruits and Vegetables, Macaroni and Cheese Dinners, and Whole Grain, Low Sugar Cereals.

Protect your identity and the environment. Get into the spirit and bring your team down to the stadium a day before the Super Bowl for a day of fun and safe recycling.

*Shredding Restrictions: 5 boxes/trash bags per person. No metal or plastic attachments. No newspapers, magazines or phone books.

Flush It Down Comes Around

Every living creature on the planet relies on water to survive. Yet our drinking water is compromised when chemicals are inadvertently introduced into our water systems. Millions of unused medications (over the counter and prescription) are disposed of in the trash, washed down sinks, or flushed into toilets.

Municipal water treatment plants are not equipped to filter out these medications. Several studies reveal chemicals are seeping into our environment harming the organisms in the water as well as those who use, drink, play, and work in it.

In some states, strict laws govern the handling and proper disposal of prescription drugs. In addition to preventing medications from falling into unauthorized hands, when ready to be disposed of they are considered household hazardous waste. Take-back collection programs can only be managed with the presence of law enforcement agencies that have received approval from the federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA).

Residents of Cobb County, Georgia have four opportunities in February to drop off unused pharmaceuticals for proper disposal. Together with Kaiser Permanente, Keep Cobb Beautiful is offering the first ever Medication Disposal Program for the public. Items accepted for drop off include: liquid and pill form medications, sharps and needles, diabetes materials, catheters, tubing, etc. No durable medical equipment (CPAP, nebulizers, etc).

Drop off will only be allowed at participating Senior Centers between the hours of 9 a.m. and noon on select Saturdays (see schedule below). In compliance with Federal law, volunteers and law enforcement personnel will be at each location to collect medications and properly dispose of them during these scheduled days and times ONLY. Drop off will not be allowed at any other times.

From 9 a.m. to noon at the following participating locations on the Saturday indicated:

February 6
Windy Hill Senior Center, 1885 Roswell Street, Smyrna, GA

February 13
North Cobb Senior Center, 4100 Highway 293, Acworth, GA

February 20
East Cobb Senior Center, 3332 Sandy Plains Road, Marietta, GA

February 27
West Cobb Senior Center, 4915 Dallas Highway, Powder Springs, GA

For more information, visit Keep Cobb Beautiful.

Project Overcoat

The holidays may be over but the spirit of giving doesn’t have to end. With families financially struggling through the current economy and frigid winter temperatures still lingering, generosity is as simple as donating coats and blankets. Donating reusable items is a good way to recycle and reduce items from entering the landfill.

Project Overcoat, an annual coat and blanket collection drive, kicked off on January 12 and runs through January 23. The goal is to collect and distribute over 17,000 new and gently used coats and blankets to be distributed through more than 60 nonprofit agencies serving men, women and children in need in metro Atlanta.

The annual event is sponsored by Atlanta Union Mission, FOX 5, KISS 104.1 FM, FedEx, Kroger and United Way of Metropolitan Atlanta. Project Overcoat donation boxes are located at metro Atlanta Kroger stores. Federal Express picks up the collections and delivers them to the Atlanta Union Mission. The United Way along with the Atlanta Union Mission coordinate the distribution to the more than 60 agencies in need.

Giving is good for your spirit, helps those in need, and helps the environment by keeping items out of the trash. Rummage through your closets for extra coats and blankets and visit your area Kroger today. Share your generosity and keep the giving spirit going through the year.

Reuse for Medical Equipment

Regardless of which side of the debate you take when it comes to the state of the American healthcare system, we can agree there are some who cannot afford access for basic healthcare needs. Each of us have either experienced a sprained muscle or broken bone once in our lives or know of a family member, colleague, or friend who has. Proper and immediate medical care is necessary to ensure recovery and reduce pain and discomfort.

The average healing time is about 8-10 weeks often aided by the use of medical equipment such as crutches, braces, orthotics, prosthetics, slings, and ace bandages. While most medical plans cover these expenses, some individuals simply can’t afford them. For those of us who can, what becomes of the equipment after we’ve recovered and no longer need them? Do they linger in our garages, attics, or closets, or end up donated to a thrift store or thrown out in the trash?

Embraced, a non-profit organization, is dedicated to collecting and distributing gently-used orthopaedic equipment to needy individuals. They aspire to distribute one million pieces, domestically and internationally, by the year 2011. Currently, the grass roots operation has 16 collection sites in the greater Atlanta area, located in doctor’s offices, physical therapy/rehabilitation clinics, gyms, and high schools. Pick up can be arranged for items that won’t fit into collection containers (i.e. wheelchairs, hospital beds and other items).

In addition to donations of equipment, Embraced welcomes financial donations through PayPal, corporate sponsors, and community-sponsored fundraiser events. 100% of donations goes towards funding the project’s mission. For more information, visit www.embracedatlanta.org or call (404) 592-4569.