When Shopping for Electronics, MXenergy Encourages People to Think

STAMFORD, Conn., June 24, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- There is no question living in a technological age comes with tremendous benefits.  We can surf the web at the speed of light, watch movies and TV on our phones and conduct business from the remotest locations.  However, the constant upgrading of technology comes at a price – e-waste.  As Americans constantly upgrade to the newest technology, landfills are becoming crowded at an alarming rate with outdated computers, cell phones, printers, MP3 players and other electronic devices, often containing dangerous chemicals.

MXenergy, one of the nation's leading independent energy providers, and a leader in the sustainability movement, wants to encourage people to think before simply tossing out used electronics.

"The issue of e-waste is a growing problem," says Marjorie Kass, MXenergy Managing Director.  "Latest EPA statistics show that over 3 million tons of e-waste are discarded each year in the U.S. with only 17% being recycled.  Obviously there is a tremendous amount of work to be done."

In addition to contributing to overflowing landfills, improper discarding of e-waste leaches dangerous chemicals in to the ground.  Many electronics contain mercury, sulphur, cadmium, lead or other environmentally hazardous materials which seep into the ground or release toxins in the air when burned.

MXenergy E-Cycling Options

Take Advantage of Retail Programs:  Increasingly companies are offering free e-cycling options to consumers.  Best Buy, Apple, Office Depot, Staples, and Dell Computers will all accept and properly dispose of used electronics.

Turn Your Used iPod into Cash:  Why not get a little green while thinking green?  Craigslist and eBay are popular sites for old but working electronic equipment.  Other online sites also specialize in turning your used products into cash.  Gazelle, YouRenew, NextWorth, and FlipSwap all pay cash for varying products and many offer you the option of making a donation to a specified charity.  Even if your product has no value, most will still allow you to ship it to them at no cost for safe disposal.  Check out the individual sites for details.

Safely Discard:  Do you just want to get your electronics out the door?  Visit Earth911.com or the EPA website for information on free e-cycling sites near you.  In addition to preventing landfill pile-up, and the release of dangerous toxins, proper e-cycling allows for the reuse of non-renewable materials, another environmental bonus.

"I think what we are continually realizing is protecting our planet has to be a massive, joint effort," says Kass.  "It requires thought, education, effort and commitment.  MXenergy is determined to be part of the solution, beyond simply the issues of gas and electricity."

For more information about e-cycling options near you, visit www.earth911.com or www.epa.gov.

About MXenergy

MXenergy is one of the fastest growing retail natural gas and electricity suppliers in North America, serving approximately 500,000 customers in 41 utility territories in the United States and Canada.  For over 11 years, the company has provided millions of customers with a choice in how they purchase energy to run their homes and businesses.  Founded in 1999 to provide natural gas and electricity to consumers in deregulated energy markets, MXenergy helps residential customers and small business owners control their energy bills by providing both fixed and variable rate plans MXenergy is committed to best practices in environmental conservation, supporting local communities through various outreach programs and is a member of the Chicago Climate Exchange.  For more information about MXenergy please visit www.mxenergy.com.

SOURCE MXenergy