I’m all for recycling, yet I haven’t recycled my old cell phone as I just haven’t gotten around to it. This afternoon, I received a plastic envelope in a package of merchandise I ordered, and it was labeled “Cell Phones for Soldiers.” My curiosity up, I searched for this ‘business’ on the Internet and found an interesting story.
It seems that Robbie and Brittany Bergquist started this little organization in 2004 - when Brittany was 13 and her brother, Robbie, was 12. They had heard about a soldier who was wacked with a huge phone bill while calling home from Iraq. They collected snack money, opened an account at a bank, and the bank donated $500. From there, they tried to purchase as many prepaid calling cards as possible for our underpaid, overworked soldiers.
The deal with the cell phones is that every phone you donate can help increase the amount of talk-time Robbie and Brittany can provide to troops. If you didn’t get an envelope in this massive campaign, or if you haven’t noticed a drop-off box in your town, then go to the site and print a label, put the cell phone(s) in the smallest, lightest package possible (extra packing materials not required), add the label to the package (no postage necessary!), and drop it off at your post office or local mailbox.
They want cell phones ONLY. Don’t include manuals, chargers, etc. Visit the Cell Phone for Soldiers page to learn more. And remember - you don’t have to support the war to support the families who have made a sacrifice.
Posted by Linda at 8:00 AM PST
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category: Food
Michelle Wibowo is an award winning cake designer and decorator in London - Brighton UK. But, Michelle isn’t just ANY cake decorator…she first studied as an architect before she paid her dues at various cake shops around London. Then she went on to win various awards for her creative designs and expertise. This woman’s work is beyond words, and her cakes look too good to eat.
Visit Michelle’s site to watch videos on her decorating skills, to view her amazing portfolio, and to learn more about your ability to acquire one of her cakes…
Posted by Russell at 8:00 AM PST
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Ok, I purchased a sewing machine on Buy Nothing Day (which is also Black Friday). Frankly, I had no idea that it was Buy Nothing Day, although it’s celebrated in 65 countries. I really must read current events more often…
This year, MTV Networks in the United States refused to sell airtime for commercials promoting this event. The spot uses an animated pig to illustrate the voracious habits of the average North American consumer (it can be viewed online at Adbusters.org). MTV Advertising Standards representative Elisa J. Billis explained that “The spot goes further than we are willing to accept on our channels.” (Excuse me???)
CNN did advertise the day, but they were the only national station to do so. After viewing the video, even I feel that MTV wussed out. Weenies. My daughter will watch VH1 over the holidays. NO MTV in this house!
But, to be fair, I think that one day of buying nothing out of the year is ineffectual. Additionally, I think you would have to pay the average American to NOT buy something on Black Friday. But, the date is marked on my calendar for next year. Russell and I will remind you…
Posted by Linda at 8:00 AM PST
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Earlier this year, the U.S. House of Representatives passed an energy bill that would require utilities to generate at least 15% of our electricity from clean energy sources. A study by the Union of Concerned Scientists showed that the House-passed national renewable electricity standard would save families and businesses $13 to $18.1 billion in lower electricity and natural gas bills by 2020, while curbing global warming pollution and creating new jobs.
However, the Senate passed their own version of the bill that DID NOT include the clean energy standard passed by the House (though it did include important steps to improve gas mileage). With the clock ticking before the Senate leaves for the holidays (for a nice, long vacation), Environment America doesn’t have the votes they need to pass the renewable electricity standard in the Senate.
Call your senators today and tell them to send a bill including the renewable electricity standard to the President’s desk by the end of the year. If you don’t know your senators’ names, go to the Senate site to find the senator from your state, or just call 202-224-3121 and tell the operator where you’re from. They will patch you through to the correct office.
If your senator is available (if not, talk to someone and ask to leave a message), use this message: “Hi, my name is ______, and I’m from ______. I’m calling to urge Senator ______ to support legislation to require utilities to generate 15% of our electricity from clean, renewable sources.”
Make note of what that senator or messenger says, and go to http://www.environmentamerica.org/action/energy/call-senate to fill out the form. Of course, the second action isn’t necessary, but it is helpful. The first action is imperative, so call today!
Posted by FA Editors at 4:53 PM PST
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