Cell phones for food
In a world where people upgrade their cell phones an average
of once every 18 months, there are potentially millions of
old cell phones thrown away. Many of those end up in landfill
sites, posing a threat to the environment, as cell phones
contain toxins that can leak into the ground water.
That's why, to mark Earth Day 2005, RBC encouraged employees
in the Greater Toronto Area to recycle their used cellphones
in a unique project -- thINK FOOD/Phones-for-Food. Through
this initiative, old cell phones are collected and auctioned
off to the remanufacturing industry, and the resulting revenues
are redirected to local food banks. It's a win-win: old cellphones
are diverted from landfill sites, and the shelves of food
banks are replenished, as well.
According to thINK FOOD/Phones-for-Food, the donation of
one cell phone translates into a carton of milk, a jar of
peanut butter, or even a whole meal to someone in need.
RBC collected 187 cell phones in the Greater Toronto Area,
alleviating close to 113 lbs of waste.
"RBC took part in this initiative for two reasons: to
help save the environment, through diverting waste, and to
contribute to the community, by alleviating hunger,"
said Ruth Weiner, manager, Environmental Standards, RBC Financial
Group.
And if you're wondering what happens to the cellphones once
they're sold to the remanufacturers? The phones are refurbished
and sold to local wireless providers-- but only those with
environmental policies approved by thINK FOOD/Phones-for-Food.
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