Out With The Old In With The New...

Like many of us who receive new electronics as holiday gifts we need find a new home for our old devices. This poses a problem. We might already have a perfectly working item but it could be out of date or just not usable anymore. Technology is moving fast and  it is next to impossible to keep up. The question is what do we do with this old unwanted stuff?

It's not easy being green. It's understandable why many electronics end up in a dumpster. 
However, this is not the best place for them even tough it might seem the easiest. Many electronics contain hazardous materials such as lead, cadmium in circuit boards and mercury in batteries.  Older computer screens and televisions contain cathode ray tubes (CRT's).  CRT's contain leaded glass to protect the user from the x-rays inside the tubes.  Lead is a hazardous material that can cause environmental and health damage if not managed safely.

An alternative to throwing away your electronics is to give them to someone who can turn it into something good. Non-profit groups such as Goodwill Industries will take your old computer for free. Make sure to wipe out any personal information you may have on your system before donating. Goodwill will responsibly refurbish, reuse or recycle the equipment, benefiting communities and putting people to work. And you can use your donation as a tax write off. Talk about a win-win situation! Visit Goodwill's website for drop off locations and more information on what is accepted. http://www.goodwill.org/get-involved/donate/donation-acceptance-guidelines/

Trade in and Save. Another solution is to take your electronics to Best Buy. Your item might have a trade in value. Now through 1/19/13 Best Buy will give you a minimum $5 gift card when you trade in any small device, working or not. If your item has no trade in value they will recycle it for free. Visit bestbuy.com/TradeIn for details.

There are many ways to properly dispose of things you do not need anymore. Please keep in mind if you can not use something yourself there is someone else out there who can. You might make some money in the process!

Hot Chocolate on a Cold Night

As a self described chocoholic I really can not live without some form of chocolate at least once a day. On cold winter nights what I love is a warm cup of sweet hot coco. Oh what a delight it is to come out of the cold and sip a wonderful mug of that lusciousness! I desire a gourmet style concoction. Marshmallows are optional.
Growing up on powdered packets of Swiss Miss mixed with hot water was a treat as a child. As I have matured and have broadened my palate and I prefer brands like Godiva and Ghirardelli. My family holds Godiva in the highest regard. My Aunt purposely pronounces the name GOD-i-VA with the emphasis on the first syllable.
I am also a fan of Carnation Instant Breakfast due to the nutritional element included in their product. I am a devoted user of this confection made by Nestle. Every morning since I can remember I have consumed the rich milk chocolate drink cold for my morning kick start. However, recently I have been experimenting with other flavors and found a hot chocolate drink recipe made with the dark chocolate powder available in the variety pack. This is good any time of day. Give it a try!

Here is the recipe.

 

Ingredients

• 1 packet Dark Chocolate Flavor CARNATION® BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Complete Nutritional Drink
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 cup hot or steamed fat free milk
• 1 tablespoon caramel syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions

COMBINE CARNATION® BREAKFAST ESSENTIALS™ Drink and cinnamon in large mug. Stir in milk, caramel syrup and vanilla extract.

http://www.carnationbreakfastessentials.com/Recipes/Recipe-Detail.aspx?RecipeID=138783