ECO-CELL Zoo Partners Use Cell Phone Recycling Programs to Promote Earth Day, Raising Awareness of the Effects E-Waste has on the Environment
LOUISVILLE, Ky. – ECO-CELL, the premier cell phone recycling company for environmentally minded fundraisers, is proud to promote Earth Day in partnership with Zoos throughout the nation.
Zoos all across the country will be using ECO-CELL recycling programs to raise awareness of the importance of recycling electronics, and the effects these products have on humans and endangered species.
There are over 250 million cell phone users (85% of the population) in the U.S. alone, with nearly one billion cell phones currently in retirement. It has been estimated that less than 10% of unwanted cell phones are recycled each year.
Due to their small size and rapid replacement cycle, cell phones are more likely to end up in the waste stream and contribute to a growing portion of the toxic materials in landfills.
Cell phones and their accessories contain a large number of hazardous substances known as Persistent, Bioaccumulative and Toxic Chemicals (PBTs). Included in the list of PBTs are metals that can linger in the environment for many years and have adverse effects on human health. A number of these chemicals have been known to cause cancer, as well as damage to the nervous and reproductive systems, development problems and other genetic impacts.
Recycling the precious metals and other materials in cell phones not only conserves resources, but also prevents air pollution, water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. It also helps the environment by saving energy and keeping useable and valuable materials out of landfills and incinerators, as well as preserving important animal habitats.
Additionally, an ore called Coltan (columbite-tantalite) is a source of the element tantalum, which is an essential coating for components of cell phones and other electronic products. This ore is often found in the Congo in the middle of endangered gorilla and elephant habitats. Mining destroys this vital habitat.
According to the ENOUGH PROJECT, these mineral ores, as well as gold, are also the principal source of revenue for armed groups and military units that prey on civilians in eastern Congo. Congo’s mineral wealth did not spark the conflict in eastern Congo, but war profiteering has become the fuel that keeps the region aflame and lies beneath the surface of major regional tensions.
“Recycling your cell phone with ECO-CELL is very important for a number of reasons,” states Eric Ronay, owner of ECO-CELL. “You will keep toxic material out of your community’s landfill, raise money for your local zoo and their conservation efforts and contribute to critical conservation and humanitarian efforts a world away in the Democratic Republic of Congo.”
For more information about ECO-CELL, or to become involved in the program, please visit www.eco-cell.com, email Eric Ronay, or call (888) 326-3357.
ABOUT ECO-CELL
ECO-CELL is a cell-phone recycling company established in 2003 in Louisville, Kentucky that focuses on raising funds to save gorilla habitats as well as any other non-profit organizations in need.
Run by husband and wife team Eric and Lindsey Ronay, the company created the first national zoo-based cell phone recycling program in 2005 and since then, has expanded to hundreds of organizations throughout the nation. For more information, or to become involved as a partner, please visit www.eco-cell.com.
ZOOS PARTNERING WITH ECO-CELL FOR EARTH DAY
The Dian Fossey Gorilla Foundation at Zoo Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
Party for the Planet, Saturday, April 24, 2010
www.gorillafund.org
Visitors will receive $3 off daily admission and $10 off membership if they recycle a cell phone.
Cincinnati Zoo, Cincinnati, OH
Party for the Planet, Saturday, April 24, 2010, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
www.cincinnatizoo.org
Join the Cincinnati Zoo as they celebrate the 40th Anniversary of Earth Day! Zoo visitors can learn all about "going green" by visiting with many local organizations and businesses that focus on recycling, composting, energy and water conservation, green building, sustainable products and much more. Answer the Call – and help the Cincinnati Zoo lead the nation in recycling cell phones! Bring in an old phone between April 22 and April 25 and receive $1 off a child’s admission or $2 off an adult admission.
Fossil Rim Wildlife Center, Glen Rose, TX
Earth Day Cell Phone Drive, April 22 – 25, 2010
www.fossilrim.org
Visitors will receive a free admission to be used immediately for every five (5) cell phones donated for recycling.
Louisville Zoo, Louisville, KY
Party for the Planet, Sunday, April 25, 2010
Eco-Partner Displays: 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
www.louisvillezoo.org/events/earthday.htm
The first 1,000 guests to bring in a cell phone for recycling will receive a free “I Helped Save Gorillas” cloth tote bag from E.ON U.S. and ECO-CELL. E.ON will also sponsor special $2 admission all day. Four eco-partner stations will be set up throughout the Zoo highlighting conservation efforts and showcasing environmental displays.
Lion Country Safari, Loxahatchee, FL
Party for the Planet Weekend, April 24 – 25, 2010
www.lioncountrysafari.com/special_events.html
For each cell phone recycled, visitors will receive a free animal feeding coupon to use in one of four animal contact areas. The ECO-CELL recycling program will also be advertised all Earth Day weekend at special event tables throughout the Zoo.
Miami Metro Zoo, Miami, FL
www.miamimetrozoo.com
Visitors will receive free admission if they recycle a cell phone on Earth Day.
FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Melissa B. Zoeller
Z Public Relations
502.553.9732
