Okay the day has switched from Feb 17th to June 12th 2009, when TV stations will stop sending out analog signals, so you may be rushing out (or will have already rushed out,) to grab yourself a bargain flat screen TV. This poses a bit of an environmental problem, however, because our old TV’s contain toxic chemicals which unless disposed of responsibly, can leach into our precious groundwater. The wonderful Electronics TakeBack Coalition has launched the Take Back My TV campaign, where they are trying to get TV manufacturers to take back and recycle their own products. As a result, Samsung and Song are already offering free takebacks of their small screens. Check out their fantastic website. So what should you do with an old analog TV? Try to hang on to it, as I am doing, as it still works if you buy a converter box to change the signal from digital to analog. This should only cost you $20.00 if you get the $40.00 dollar coupon from the government. If you really must have a new TV, consider donating your old TV to someone who needs one or put it on Freecycle or Craig’s List. Make sure that your new TV is at least Energy-Star qualified, as it’ll use up to 30 percent less energy.
Well done Natasha. You were randomly picked to win the fabulous Theo Chocolate Collection. I know you’ll enjoy them!
