Hang Up Your Ears

Mar 31, 2008 BANG FOR THE BITE If 10,000 Biters recycle their analog TVs instead of trashing them, we'll keep the weight of 3,720,000 remote controls in trash outta landfills. COCKTAIL FACTOID According to Nielsen Media Research, the average American watches 4 hr and 34 min of TV per day. LIKE THIS TIP? Then check out . . . The Freecycle Tip The Recycling 101 Tip RATE THIS TIP How useful is this tip? (5 is the highest) 1 2 3 4 5 Hop(p)ing to replace your analog TV with a new hi-def one? The Bite Even if you aren't, the Fed's phasing out traditional analog broadcasts (RIP, ol' Rabbit Ears) in favor of digital ones, so millions of TVs will become obsolete in 2009. But don't eco-freak out: You can either get a converter box or recycle your old set - no lucky rabbit's foot necessary. The Benefits Less trashy TV(s). Electronic waste is multiplying faster than rabbits can breed - specifically, at three times the rate of other municipal waste - but it really doesn't have to. Saving the rabbits (and other critters). Analog TVs contain toxins like chromium, lead, and mercury, so it's important to recycle them. If video killed the radio star, just think what it does to our groundwater. Easier than a Playboy Bunny. Converter boxes are available at big retailers like Best Buy, and listing your old set for pickup online or taking it to a drop-spot is so easy, one of The Girls Next Door could do it. Personally Speaking Now that the Hollywood writer's strike's over, we're looking forward to watching something other than reality programming; but 'til our fave shows return next Fall, we see a lotta Netflix and iTunes in our futures. Wanna Try? Insignia Digital-to-Analog Converter - easy-to-setup converter available at Best Buy ($60). DTV2009 - the government's offering coupons for $40 off converter boxes. Earth911 - type in TV and your zip code to locate a recycler near you. Take Back My TV - join the campaign to get nonparticipating TV manufacturers to recycle old TVs. Some brands, such as Sony, offer take-back programs (check your TV manufacturer's site for more info). Energy Star - go for an energy-efficient TV next time you buy.      Sponsor

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