NEW YORK, NY - August 15, 2011 - DoSomething.org, Best Buy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA's) ENERGY STAR Program are teaming up to encourage young people to make an impact this fall by recycling unwanted electronics that may have otherwise ended up in local landfills.
Running from August 15 through October 1, this campaign (www.dosomething.org/ewaste) calls for young people to run localized "E-Waste Drives" in their schools, homes, or in their communities and to drop off their cumulative collection at their local Best Buy store. The E-Waste Drive campaign also encourages them to look for the ENERGY STAR label when considering new electronics purchases.
"We are thrilled to be the force behind this year's E-Waste Drive campaign," said Leo Raudys, senior director, environmental sustainability, Best Buy. "Consumer electronics are the fastest growing waste stream on the planet and as one of the largest retailer of electronics we have the responsibility to help our customers."
Americans are throwing away over 1.5 million tons of e-waste each year. Recycling is one simple step you can take to protect the environment; another is to look for the ENERGY STAR label when purchasing new electronics. "We want to make sure young people know that it's not only what you do to properly dispose of an old electronic, it's also the choices you make when looking for a new one," said Jill Vohr, EPA team lead of ENERGY STAR products marketing. "We hope that through this campaign, teens will learn how they can make a difference through smarter product choices and practices."
DoSomething.org is no stranger to providing young people with campaigns focused on protecting the environment. "DoSomething.org is all about action," said Nancy Lublin, CEO and Chief Old Person at DoSomething.org. "We're proud to build a relationship with Best Buy and continue our successful relationship with the EPA. This campaign really gives young people passionate about the environment the power to rock social change and make a difference among their peers in their very own communities."
Best Buy and DoSomething.org will be rewarding the grand prize drive that collects the most e-waste with a $500 educational grant for each their team members. Prizes will also be provided to the top 10 drives for their electronic recycling efforts.
About Best Buy Co., Inc.
Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE: BBY) is a leading multi-channel global retailer and developer of technology products and services. Every day our employees - 180,000 strong - are committed to helping deliver the technology solutions that enable easy access to people, knowledge, ideas and fun. We are keenly aware of our role and impact on the world, and we are committed to developing and implementing business strategies that bring sustainable technology solutions to our consumers and communities. For information about Best Buy, visit www.bby.com.
About DoSomething.org
DoSomething.org is one of the largest organizations in the US that helps young people rock causes they care about. A driving force in creating a culture of volunteerism, DoSomething.org is on track to activate two million young people in 2011. By leveraging the web, television, mobile, and pop culture, DoSomething.org inspires, empowers and celebrates a generation of doers: teenagers who recognize the need to do something, believe in their ability to get it done, and then take action. Plug in at www.DoSomething.org.
About EPA's ENERGY STAR Program
The EPA's ENERGY STAR program helps us all save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices. Today, the ENERGY STAR label can be found on more than 60 different kinds of products, including lighting, appliances, TVs, computers and other office equipment, and consumer electronics; new and renovated homes; as well as schools and commercial buildings. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR, saved enough energy in 2010 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions (a key contributor to climate change) equivalent to those from 33 million vehicles-all while saving about $18 billion on their utility bills.
Contact:
Jessica Pollack
212.691.2800
