Thank you to bloggers that have written about Cells for Cells
Posted on | March 18, 2010 | No Comments
I need to give a very long-overdue thank you to Chris Hefling, founder and CEO of www.myhopespace.com. MyHopeSpace offers cancer patients, survivors, caregivers, friends, family members, and their cancer support network an easy way to communicate and share their stories, their struggles, and their accomplishments with other members.
Hit his website and you’ll see the work of a true giver. Chris and all of his partners, resources, and connections have truly put together a place where families battling cancer can find strength, hope, and a way to celebrate life…just as their website states.
If you are looking for cancer support or cancer help, MyHopeSpace is a great place to start.
You absolutely must check out the cancer inspired tattoo section – you will find some pretty amazing stories of strength and survival.
Here’s my favorite and a link to the story behind the “Hope Tattoo.”
MyHopeSpace also has a blog that you can follow here: Blog.MyHopeSpace.com
And if you Twitter, you can follow Chris and all the latest news about MyHopeSpace @myhopespace
Chris, keep up the wonderful work!
Cells for Cells is honored to be listed in MyHopeSpace resource section among organizations that do such powerful work.
Additional Reading
How Richard Todd Beat Leukemia in 44 Days
Seth Heine: ecoATM Additional Information
Posted on | March 18, 2010 | No Comments
Seth Heine, of EcoATM was kind enough to email me a response with some additional information about the EcoATM:
Joe and his Yoohoo on the bus: davelinger via flikr
“EcoATM response:
That is a very cool write up! I have posted an official response below to some of the musings / questions as well (I was once thrown out of the skating rink for trying to boost a Yoo-hoo from the vending machine 
“Thanks to Jason and Cells for Cells for the kind mention – we like what C4C gets done every day as well
For the record, I co-founded ecoATM with some braniacs, – this idea is far larger than any one person could ever build anyways… ecoATM is based on the core concept that the best way to get people to act, or change their behavior is to pay them; so far we seem to be correct, we are collecting hundreds of phones weekly with each ecoATM, and have big plans to roll these kiosks out to leading retailers nationwide in the next few years.
ecoATM kiosk
Of course, the minute you put money on the table, you attract the attention of not only everyday consumers, but sneaky types as well; that’s why we visually and electronically inspect the items, so we not only know exactly what it looks like, but also connect it to our systems so we can electronically test the items as well (this also allows us to remove data from the devices on the spot;-). So the fake Wi-Fi plug in the photo (or a fake / demo phone) won’t get far into testing before we figure out something is not as it should be… We also take photographs and get contact info (drivers license etc) from the customers, so we’d likely be sending “visitors” to people who keep trying to trick our machines as well…
We’ll be adding video game, laptop / computer / monitor and other electronics sequentially as we grow, so the ecoATM will become a hub of recycling and trade in / trade up activity in the same places people buy their electronics, bringing it all full circle.”
Additional Reading
Who Else is Making Recycling Easier or Just Flat-out Cool?
The ecoATM kiosk: How It Works
Will Kiosks Help Boost Mobile Phone Recycling?
Who else is making recycling easier or just flat-out cool?
Posted on | March 14, 2010 | No Comments
www.ecoatm.com
The EcoATM is one of the coolest new recycling ideas I have ever seen. Besides winning myriad of honors and acknowledgments for their design and idea, the EcoATM’s WOW! factor is spectacular.
It is THE machine that recycles everything: Mobile Phones, MP3 & PMPs, Game Systems, Game DVDs & Cartridges, Notebook & Desktop PC’s, Printers, Digital Cameras, Flat Displays, Storage Devices, GPS and more.
Super-recycler, Seth Heine, who founded Collective Good, is the brains behind the EcoATM.
But does it make recycling easier?
The first thing that came to my mind when Seth emailed me the info was this photo:
Will you be able to place an EcoATM in a high school or college? Will kids try to hack it or trick it or just cheat it? (Yes, one time, when I was a kid, I tried to get the vending machine to give me an extra Twix.)
And, it still begs the question: How will the EcoATM influence us, as consumers, to be better at recycling? Seth once told me, “Gravity is the most powerful force keeping people from recycling.” Gravity, in this context, is the lack of action. Or, as I like to say, “My old cell phone is in my desk drawer and it is too heavy to get out and take to the recycler.”
Also, I’ve never been a fan of passive-style recycling programs. There are cardboard or plastic collection boxes at the entrance of a many retail stores–usually empty. It is all just green noise.
Will a super-cool (and, possibly, super-expensive) automatic recycling machine change the consumer’s recycling habits?
Well, if “COOL” makes people want to recycle, then perhaps the EcoATM will help defy “gravity”.
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www.envirobank.com.au
Environbank, out of Sydney, Australia, states that their vision is “To empower the community to leave the world a better place – one beverage at a time.” Similar to the EcoATM, the Environbank recycles beverage containers.
Again, the idea looks super cool; but my main thought is that looks like the world’s most expensive recycling tub.
The Environbank just looks like it costs at least $5000 US.
This little blue recycler to the left is a touch more than $100 US.
It would be interesting to find out what Environbank’s business model is. Because if I am the office manager or recycling manager and I have to put a beverage recycler in the break room or lunch room; I may have a hard time getting approval for one of these.
Additionally, how long can a company like Environbank stay in business when the net profits on recycling plastic bottles and aluminum cans are miniscule? The logo licensing fees can only take them so far i.e. Coca Cola, BP, and Bowerman’s (in Australia).
Don’t get me wrong, Envrionbank is cool and innovative. With a ton of public education and a solid business model, this could be the standard beverage container recycler throughout the world.
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Bebe and Alice
http://www.etsy.com/shop/bebeandalice or http://bebeandalice.blogspot.com/
I am always impressed with someone who can marry art with recycling. That is exactly what Heather Baker has done with Bebe + Alice out of Estes Park, Colorado.
At Bebe + Alice you’ll find eco-friendly goodness that winks at the past and nods to the future. You can expect items to be one of a kind, made with care and designed around the philosophy that Grandmother’s slow and simple ways were best.
Here’s an example of what amazingness Heather can do. Pay special attention to the description:
a Gnome’s Home crafters apron
Description
Upcycled denim created the perfect landscape for this gnome’s home. Momo’s Wonderland fabric makes the perfect mushroom tree pocket and apron strings. Upcycled sheeting for the cloud, vintage rikrak and buttons for grass and flowers makes this a delightful addition for your crafting inspiration! Rikrak has been left unsewn in one small space so you can slip your scissors in for easy access.
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Even More Companies That Help Make Recycling Easier
The Ecopreneurist had a great article last year that is worth looking at again:
Six Companies that Help Make Recycling Easier
Mentioned are:
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Earth911.org
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Lamprecycling.com
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Terracycle.net
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Recyclereminders.com
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Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation
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The State of Connecticut
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Hey, know anyone else that makes recycling easier or flat-out cool? Leave a comment and link them up.
Tags: "Bebe and Alice" > "Heather Baker" > "Seth Heine" > Connecticut > earth911.org > EcoATM > ecopreneurist > Envirobank > Lamprecycling.com > RBRC.ORG > recyclereminders.com > terracycle.net
8 tips for making mobile phone recycling easier
Posted on | March 12, 2010 | No Comments
1000 mobiles by Gaetan Lee via Flickr
1. Always, always, always pull out your SIM chip and SD or mini SD card.
Today, pretty much every phone has some sort of REMOVE-able storage – so remove it before you donate or recycle your device. That pretty much will cover all of the security concerns you may have.
2. Do a little planning on the front end when getting your new cell phone…
as most Americas update or change cell phones every 18 months. Point all of your storage (photos, music, phonebook) to your sim or sd chip. All of the “how to’s” will be in your new owner’s manual.
3. If you are one of those that are super concerned with security of your data, just master reset or master clear your device.
It has become so easy to reset or master clear your phone. If you’ve kept your instruction manual, the steps will outlined. If you don’t have your manual, there are hundreds or thousands of DIY videos all over the interwebs – most just a few minutes long. Here are ours: How to Clear My Blackberry and How to Clear My Treo.
4. Find a cause that is bigger than just recycling.
Cells for Cells recycles cells phones to help families that are battling cancer. Another great example of a recycling programs that does more than just recycle is Cell Phones for Soldiers. With a solid purpose behind your efforts, more people will follow you and you end up doing more. And if you are passionate about a cause that is not Cells for Cells, don’t let that stop you from recycling.
5. Influence others to join you.
It is commonly accepted that cell phone recycling rates remain in the single digits. So recycle more than one phone at a time. Buddy Up with co-workers and friends that are inclined to recycle and get your place of employment behind you. It is way more exciting to work with your co-workers and friends for your cause (See #4). Fill a giant box with cell phones to recycle. Make a bigger difference for your cause. (Oh, by the way, you know that little plastic baggie that comes with new cell phones – IGNORE IT. It encourages people who want to recycle – to just recycle one phone – and that is not you, right?)
6. The phone, battery and charger do not have to match.
Most recyclers separate the components, anyway. So don’t worry if you have cells to recycle without the batteries or chargers – it all recycles just the same.
7. Use free shipping if your program offers it – but don’t let it hold you back…
from recycling if your program does not offer to pay for your shipping. Keep in mind that Cells for Cells wants you to recycle at least 25 cell phones before we send you a pre-paid FedEx label. (Anyone still use the word “gumption“? As in, “It is easy for me to collect more than 25 cell phone for recycling, because I have gumption.”)
8. Be a giver.
Just get your old cell phone out of your office drawer or closet and give it to a program that helps others. Give a little of your time to help promote collecting cell phones in your office. You be the person to print off the poster “Battle Cancer with a Cell Phone” and hang it in your breakroom. You be the person that calls FedEx to pick up the box of (more than) 25 cells you and your office buddies collected. You be the person that helped a family that is battling cancer.
Tags: "Recycle Cell Phones" > "Recycle Mobile Phones" > Cancer Support
Cells for Cells Honored with Friends of the Earth Award
Posted on | November 1, 2009 | Comments Off
How Richard Todd Beat Leukemia in 44 Days
Posted on | September 22, 2009 | Comments Off
This is the story of how a 72-year-old man won a battle with cancer, and how you can help men and women like Richard who are battling cancer.
Self-deprecating and wry, Richard Todd is the kind of man who could only come from the American Midwest. He believes in personal reasonability and the right to make his own happiness. His speech has the gentle laziness of a man who has all the time in the world. On the surface there is nothing particularly striking or heroic about Richard’s brand of quiet dignity. Yet Richard Todd managed to become a medical miracle by beating leukemia in 44 days.
To understand how Richard Todd overcame his illness, you must first understand his story. His recovery wasn’t the result of fabulous genetics, (his father and sister both died of heart failure), perfect health (at 72, he’s already survived two heart attacks), or an amazing HMO. The only thing Richard had on his side was a supportive community to help him, and the healing power of his own faith and positive attitude.
Early this year, Richard Todd was a man in recovery: he had survived his second heart attack, and though his heart was healing, he was still short of breath. Both Richard’s GP and his cardio-pulmonologist found nothing wrong—he seemed completely healthy. But on February 3, Richard came home from church sick, vomiting and nauseated. Recognizing what he thought were the signs of another heart attack, Richard had his wife of 55 years drive him to the emergency room. It was there that the blood tests came back: his white blood count was 132. He had leukemia.
At first Richard’s reaction was one of total disbelief: he told the doctor’s he wouldn’t accept what had been put in his body, and he would be healed. After two bouts with his heart, after watching his mother slowly die of Alzheimer’s, Richard was not about to give up now, after he had worked so hard for health and happiness.
Richard’s sunny outlook was soon clouded over by doubt. Immediately after his diagnosis, Richard came down with acute bronchitis and had to be hospitalized. Then as he was being discharged, his insurance company told him they weren’t going to be covering his cancer therapy. For Richard, this was the first blow that had the power to shake his faith that he would be alright. At $4,000 a month, there was no way to pay for even a fraction of the medical costs. His HMO had abandoned him.
Because of the red tape that surrounds pre-existing HIPA laws, there was no way for Richard’s doctors to advise him on alternative funding for treatment. But help was still able to find Richard, where he least expected it. A devout Pentecostal, Richard has a close-knit relationship with the members of his congregation, all of whom have a deep faith in the power of personal healing. At church the following Sunday, an acquaintance asked Richard if he had heard of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, a non-profit group which helps provide financial relief to families battling cancer. Richard was put in contact with a representative from the society who consulted with Richard and his doctor to discuss the best treatment options available. A few days later, Richard was handed a month’s supply of Gleevec, a cutting-edge new drug from Novartis.
Unlike traditional chemotherapy medicines, Gleevec doesn’t target rapidly dividing cells blindly. It’s a drug which is drawn to a particular type of enzyme produced by a particular kind of lymphoma cell. Richard had a hard time taking the drug, knowing how much others had sacrificed so that he might receive a $26 pill. Yet Richard was supremely grateful: a grandfather of 14 and a great-grandfather of 5, he felt as if God was answering his prayers.
What makes organizations like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society so effective is that they allow patients to fully concentrate on recovery. A huge number of cancer patients die from issues only tangentially related to their disease. They die of malnutrition, they die of pneumonia because of their weakened immune system, and they simply give up because they are overwhelmed by the burden of finances and insurance headaches. Optimism and a positive outlook are more than just new-age mantras; they’re just as vital to the success of a patient as a drug like Gleevec. Richard’s insistence that he would indeed survive is one of the reasons that he did. All of his energy was focused on healing his body; everything else was taken care of by his friends, his family, and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
April 11, just 44 days after he was diagnosed with leukemia, Richard Todd returned to the hospital for a check up. His doctor was absolutely shocked by the results. In less than two months, Richard’s white blood cell count had gone from 132 to a mere 5.9. The cancer hadn’t just gone into remission; it had been cured. Richard would be around to see the birth of his 6th great-grandchild. Richard Todd had survived.
Richard Todd’s story is one of amazing odds: because of a rare combination of medical support, a fantastic new drug, and a positive attitude, he was able to beat leukemia with astonishing speed. While his results are truly miraculous, it’s easy to see how things could have ended very differently. If Richard had not found the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Kansas City, he would have died months ago.
This story is the reason why Cells for Cells is recycling and supporting groups like the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. By helping Richard and his family every step of the way, the Society gave Richard the peace of mind to concentrate on his own health. Asked if he had any advice for those who struggle against the odds, Richard said (with his characteristic bluntness) “Stay positive—if you don’t you’re a fool.”
By donating your old cell phones to Cells for Cells, together, we can help raise money and awareness for those who are battling cancer. Just like with Richard Todd’s story, sometimes little things make all the difference.
Donate your cell phones to Cells for Cells.
Note: We had published Richard’s story last year and in our website upgrade, lost the links to the original. This is a powerful story so I wanted to get it back up. I hope you enjoyed it – Jason
Cells for Cells Continues to Accept Stories for Medical Bill Makeover
Posted on | June 18, 2009 | Comments Off
We continue to accept positive, inspirational stories about families (maybe yours) that are battling cancer.
Unfortunately, we’ve had to put the Medical Bill Makeover awards on hold as we add money to that Fund. I anticipate restarting the awards in September and keeping them at $1000.
Look for updates here and on twitter @cellsforcells.
You can also read the stories of previous Medical Bill Makeover recipients.
Here are the details of the Cells for Cells Medical Bill Make Over:
Cells for Cells wants to help pay your medical bills
1. Email your story about battling cancer to jason(dot)cellsforcells(at)gmail(dot)com
2. The subject line must be Medical Bill Makeover: My Story
3. Your story can be your own, your family member or friend’s
4. Your story must include your current situation and how you encourage others that are battling cancer. Include how you have remained strong, optimistic, and positive.
5. You must Follow The One Million Cells Story on Twitter @cellsforcells if you do the Twitter thing
6. You must recycle at least one cell phone w/ Cells for Cells
7. If you have less than 10 phones to recycle – you foot the shipping bill ***SEE NOTE BELOW
8. If you have more than 10 phones to recycle – Cells for Cells will foot the shipping bill
9. Deadlines will be announced.
10. Winners will be notified via email or telephone.
Request your free FedEx label here.
Spread the word
The more cell phones Cells for Cells recycles, the more families we will help.
Cells for Cells will award one family the Medical Bill Make Over for the time period announced. If Cells for Cells chooses your story, we will contact you via email or phone. Please include your phone number in your email. We will write the check directly to the individual (until our legal team tells us to do it another way). That way, you can apply the award to your medical bills or associated costs as you see necessary. [Medical Bills and costs can be: doctor's bill, pharmacy bill, mortgage payment, gas for your car, flowers for a loved one, etc.]
***Shipping notes
Shipping about 10 phones will cost you between $5 – $10 dollars via the post office. To avoid this, let your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, etc. know that you are participating in this giveaway. Have them help you get more than 10 phones and then request a FREE shipping label.
***Other notes
By participating, you give Cells for Cells permission to use your story to promote Cells for Cells, Recycling, Cancer Patient advocacy, etc. You may need to provide other info as required by our legal team.
Dr. Michelle Robin: Bridging People Back to Wellness with Green Smoothies
Posted on | June 1, 2009 | Comments Off
I am no longer afraid of putting green vegetables in my smoothies. If fact, I think it is a brilliant idea to help “bridge people back to wellness”. And that is the exact the goal of Shawnee’s own wellness guru, Dr. Michelle Robin of Your Wellness Connection.
Bridging People Back to Wellness
“You always hear about giving up foods,” says Dr. Robin. “My goal is help people see what they can add to their diets. I just want people to try something different. Just try to add something green to your smoothie or try to add 3 fruits a day to your diet. Focus on what you can add into your diet that can give you more nutrition instead of focusing on everything you have to stop eating.”
So Dr. Robin took me to her wellness kitchen to show me how easy it is to build (and strengthen) my bridge to wellness. She asked me what fruits I like in my smoothie – I chose pineapple and cherries. Dr. Robin then pulled out something called Mache (pronounced ‘mosh’) – it is a green leafy thing – and put a whole container of it into my smoothie.
Noooooooo! At first, I was thinking ‘there is no way I am putting greens in a fruit smoothie,” as I saw my smoothie turn a very greenish-maybe-I-won’t-drink-that looking smoothie. She handed me my glass, and with the bravest smile, I took a sip.
Not bad. Not bad, indeed. I could feel the wellness pumping through my veins. It tasted fine – I could taste the pineapple and there was a hint of something green – but not too overpowering. It was definitely drinkable and made it easy for me to make a mental note of trying it at home. More on that later.
Sustainability at Your Wellness Connection
One of the reason we talk to our Cells for Cells partners is to showcase how they are doing green (not just green smoothie) and sustainable activities in their workplace. Your Wellness Connection is doing many:
- Recycling face paper (the paper that overlays the “face slot” on chiropractic and massage tables
- Provide plastics recycling for all business plastics and employees can bring their plastics from home, too
- Recycle all batteries
- Recycle all light bulbs
- Recycle old computers and monitors
- Switched to electronic medical records to cut down on paper consumption and decrease carbon footprint
- Uses Magic Touch Cleaning – Gary Walker and his team rocks! Gary is the King of Green Cleaning
- Uses Indigo Wild products
- Partnering with Cells for Cells to recycle cell phones
Partnership with Cells for Cells
Dr. Robin gave me a very thought-provoking reason for why she is a partner with Cells for Cells, “Because you [Cells for Cells] are passionate about helping health.”
Even though I have never described our business like that, the concept rings true. Cells for Cells raises money for families battling cancer by recycling old cell phones.
Cell phone recycling is available at Your Wellness Connection and Dr. Robin encourages all of her patients to drop off any old cell phones at YWC.
Green Smoothie at Home
I have to thank Dr. Robin for helping me think differently about greens in my smoothies. I have a smoothie almost daily; and to be able to add more nutrition is awesome. I tried baby spinach in my smoothie which usually consists of a base of a three-berry frozen mix from Costco and whatever other fruit I have on hand – bananas, peaches, pineapple, etc. I like to add a little bit of raw, organic honey. It’s my little splurge as I wean myself off of all white sugar.
Spinach in my Smoothie
Here I am holding the approximate amount of baby spinach that I put into my smoothie. The spinach is already in my smoothie, I just thought it would make a funny picture of what looks like me getting ready to put a handful of spinach in my glass. This smoothie tasted mostly like pineapple and a tiny bit “greenish.” Just like in my mache smoothie, the green flavor is just there – it is not overpowering and it is drinkable.
There are a number of green smoothie recipes at Your Wellness Connection here.
I might try the Apple and Lime Green Smoothie next as I take Dr. Robin’s advice to help make my wellness bridge as strong and as green as possible.
Via Gary Vaynerchuk: Emotion is a dangerous pill when doing business
Posted on | May 21, 2009 | Comments Off
[Jason's notes:]
I wonder how many times my emotions have gotten the better of me in my business decisions.
I know that I am a very emotional guy when doing business. I have the butterflies and knots in my stomach when I have to deal with something I perceive as difficult or challenging – or just out of order. Not that there is anything wrong with butterflies and knots – I just know mine frequently come from an “Oh, no!” perspective instead of “This is exciting and exhilarating” perspective.
Believe me, I am an expert at hiding my emotions – but my mind rages like in the “Serenity Now” episode of Seinfeld. Kramer!
One thing that I have done to help avoid the “put the shovel down, time for a backhoe” situation is to surround myself with mentors – actually three mentors – all older, seasoned, mature, and cool.
Some of the best advice I have received recently probably went in one ear and out the other; BUT the CALM that came with the advice made up for the fact that I might have missed the words. And it gives me another opportunity to talk to my mentors again, after I have calmed down.
Oh, and I’ve got to mention that my Dad and Mom are great mentors, too. Thanks Dad and Mom!
And, thank you, @Garyvee for another great post and for this equation Business > Emotion.
Freighquote Showcases Creativity in Mobile Phone Recycling
Posted on | May 14, 2009 | 1 Comment
Brand new Cells for Cells partner, Freightquote, did an outstanding job of re-using an old cardboard box to collect mobile phones for Cells for Cells.
Great job on some very brilliant creativity!
Want to use the Battle Cancer with a Cell Phone poster for your mobile phone recycling efforts? You can download it here.
For more information about Cells for Cells and how we help families battling cancer visit www.cellsforcells.com
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Trouble viewing the video on Viddler? Here’s the YouTube Link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FyRCMYeABtc
Tags: cardboard box > Cells for Cells > cellsforcells > Freightquote > freightquote.com > Mobile Phone Recycling
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