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Top tips for recycling tossed-aside tech

(BPT) – Do you know what to do with that old computer monitor sitting in storage? What should you do with a retired PC or tablet? If the items cluttering your home were newsprint, plastic bottles or aluminum cans, you would know exactly what to do with them — recycle! But if you’re unsure how to recycle technology, you’re not alone.

Nearly 80 percent of American households have old technology sitting around, according to a recent survey by Staples. Most people with old, unused tech devices have one to five pieces they’d like to get rid of, but less than half know how to recycle it, the survey found.

“You make a lot of changes when you’re trying to live a greener lifestyle, from recycling all the plastics your family uses to choosing more energy-efficient appliances,” says Toni Hammersley, blogger at A Bowl Full of Lemons. “Fortunately, you can also green your digital life by recycling old technology you no longer use. Staples will take a slew of your old and unused technology products right in-store for free to help you responsibly and easily recycle.”

Recycling technology is good for the environment, the EPA says. Valuable resources like metals, plastics and glass can be reused; every 1 million cellphones recycled yield 35,000 pounds of copper, 772 pounds of silver, 75 pounds of gold and 33 pounds of palladium, according to the EPA. What’s more, recycling or donating electronics reduces consumption of natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and air and water pollution associated with making new materials.

Hammersley, an organizational expert, offers some tips for recycling tech:

* You can recycle old office technology that no longer works for free by taking them into your local Staples. The store will accept the computers, monitors, printers and numerous other types of electronics for recycling — free of charge. For more information on the program and a list of tech items that can be accepted into the free recycling program, visit Staples online.

*You can also trade in eligible technology to receive a Staples eCash card that you can use toward your next in-store or online purchase. The laptop that’s too slow for your gaming activities might qualify for a trade in and get a gift card to put toward new technology or anything else you need within the store.

* Equipment that still works can also be donated. Goodwill accepts technology items for repair and recycling and schools, churches, charities and other community organizations in your area may accept older tech that’s still usable. You can also find computer donation organizations with a simple online search. Before you donate any piece of technology, be sure that the organization can use it and you won’t burden them with items they might have to recycle. Also be sure to delete all your personal information, including files, documents and apps that may contain personal information. Staples provides this service in stores through their Tech Services.

“Clutter of any kind can stand in the way of organization at home or in the office,” Hammersley says. “Recycling is one of the most efficient, cost-effective and environmentally responsible ways to get rid of any kind of clutter — including old technology.”

 

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Astrid Is Building a Successful Online Business, Against All Odds #SuperSeller

Astrid, known on Fiverr as Astridyoung, is a professional touring musician and a wine professional. When the pain from a spinal deformity ended her career, Fiverr helped her find hope; renewed her passion for art, artistry and entrepreneurship; and gave … Read More

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10 Things You Can Do Today to Help Your Small Business Gain More Attention

Nicole Leinbach Reyhle is the Founder and Publisher of Retail Minded, the Co-Founder of the Independent Retailer Conference and a regular Forbes contributor. The author of “Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business” and Spokesperson for … Read More

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Most Common Mistakes for Entrepreneurs to Avoid

We all make mistakes, it’s part of life, it’s part of learning and it’s part of entrepreneurship. When you’re bootstrapping through and cash flow is crucial, it’s important to try and minimize errors that could potentially set you back.

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Achieving Financial Success on His Own Terms #WorkMyWay

Alfredo, FreddyFiver on Fiverr, is a bilingual voice-over artist. On Fiverr for about three years, he’s been able to balance his love of doing creative work with earning a sustainable income. Now he’s able to explore his voracious interest in … Read More

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Fiverr Invades SXSW and the Southwest Invasion

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Spring cleaning tricks for small businesses and home offices

(BPT) – Being a small-business owner or home-based professional is hard work. Long hours may come with big rewards, but maintaining a clean and well-organized office might just be one of the many sacrifices. Do you think the mess doesn’t matter when it comes to the bottom line? The reality might surprise you.

Productivity and workplace cleanliness are directly related, meaning dust and grime is more than just an eyesore. A clean office produced a 5 percent productivity gain, according to a study conducted by HLW International LLP. What’s more, employee morale and engagement improve when an office is organized and clean, which in turn means higher productivity.

Piles of paper here, folders scattered there and lots of clutter everywhere — the effects of a messy workplace go even further. When office spaces are dirty, germs and viruses spread easily. In particular, touchpoints such as doors, handles, phones, etc. can be a transfer point. When you or one of your team members becomes sick, it can halt productivity for the entire business.

To keep your office clean and productivity pumping, consider these five smart tips and tricks:

1. Stock your cleaning arsenal.

When you have the right cleaning supplies and tools on hand, it’s easier to adopt and stick with a cleaning routine. Some essentials include paper towels, all-purpose spray cleaners, dusters and air deodorizers. Fortunately, you can get everything you need to maintain a clean and tidy office at Staples. Visit www.staples.com to place an order — you can even pick up breakroom essentials like coffee, along with clever office organizational supplies.

2. Wipe once weekly.

Place a bottle of disinfectant wipes at each person’s desk and encourage everyone to wipe weekly. Not only will this prevent dust and food grime from building up, it will also help eliminate germs to keep everyone healthy. Make sure to focus on the phone, keyboard, desk surface and door handle to your office. If your space has a breakroom, wiping it down regularly is equally important.

3. Plan a purge day.

Particularly appropriate during spring cleaning season, planning a purge day is a great way to eliminate clutter and inspire organization. Whether you’re a one-man-shop or have a small team of dedicated employees, set aside a few hours on a particular day to recycle old paperwork, donate dated office supplies and toss broken desk gadgets.

4. Rearrange the workspace.

After the clutter is gone, it’s time to organize. Rethink your file system and use color coding to your advantage. Use storage options to streamline desk space. Invest in ergonomic office supplies to help keep your workforce healthy. Digitize what you can to eliminate excess paperwork.

5. Organize the digital workspace.

Technology is another big consideration when it comes time to clean. Dated files, legacy software and hidden computer viruses can cause digital chaos that cuts productivity quickly. Clean up your technology systems by deleting unnecessary files and software. Buy a backup drive and cloud storage as necessary.

Want more tips for keeping a clean office from the experts at Staples? Visit www.staples.com and prepare for productivity progress.

 

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