Cells for Cells

Recycle Cell Phones to Help Families Battling Cancer

Freighquote Showcases Creativity in Mobile Phone Recycling

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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

Gary Vaynerchuk at Big Omaha: How to Stay Strong During Difficult Times

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I am in that group of people where my life has been changed by words of kindness and simple acts of love and caring.

Even though Cells for Cells mission is to help families battling cancer, I feel the responsibility to help anyone that is facing a difficult situation.

Kind words can change a life.  Kind words can bring joy and happiness.  Kind words can turn away fear.  Kind words can increase bravery and strength.

That is why I asked Gary Vaynerchuk, “During difficult times, Gary, what do you say to someone to help them stay strong?”

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Having trouble watching on viddler?  Try our YouTube link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3zXM00-rM3A

TNT Q and A: How Do I Get Credit for My Mobile Phone Recycling Efforts?

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Sample Report that Cells for Cells sends to the LLS
Sample Report that Cells for Cells sends to the LLS

The responses continues to pour in.  We had no idea that offering our Cells for Cells recycling program to all of you TNTers would be so successful.

Cells for Cells is happy to be able to help in your fund raising efforts.

Here is how YOU get credit for all of your cell phone recycling efforts with Cells for Cells.

1.  You register to participate in Cells for Cells [Thank YOU!  We are grateful!]

2.  Cells for Cells tracks each and every box of cell phones you ship to us

3.  Cells for Cells receives your shipment and creates an inventory report

4.  Cells for Cells assigns the current donation value to all the cell phones you collected

5.  On the 15th of each month, Cells for Cells writes a check to each of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Chapters represented by your participation for cell phones that were received in the PRECEDING month.

6.  Refer to our sample above.  Notice that all the phone received in February earned the Kansas City Leukemia & Lymphoma Society $536.98 for March.

More tips and ideas coming up…

Oh, and feel free to contact us if you have any other questions.

Again, I am grateful to be able to work with you as we, together, help families that are battling cancer.

Sincerely,

Jason Clements

Recycle or Die: Extreme Recycling in Topeka, Kansas

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Recycle or DieExtreme Recycling Inc, in Topeka, Kansas, has been a leader in E-waste recycling since 1993.  Joseph Lambert, Extreme’s Operations Manager, shares what it means to be an EXTREME recycling company.

Joseph, let’s start with Recycle or Die. Man, that is STRONG statement – tell me what it means.

Several years ago our President/Owner, Dino De Marco, and I were discussing our dedication towards recycling. We needed a slogan that would capture that dedication and emotion, and create the foundation for the culture of the company.

“Recycle or Die” was born as a counter-culture slogan that would intentionally draw attention both good and bad. It was meant to be a high impact, in your face-style which included a skull and cross bones design that helped convey the emotion and meaning behind it. The slogan was not intended to send the message that if you didn’t recycle we would harm you in any way; but rather reflected the impact on the environment and damage being done to our planet and deterioration of precious resources by NOT recycling. So when we say “Recycle or Die” it is meant that we need to recycle for our future, our children’s future, and future of generations to come.

We also would hope that the customers and public we serve take into account the seriousness of this issue. Although the slogan is harsh; it is also true.  Extreme Recycling believes that it is our duty to protect our planet for the future.

Are you wearing a Recycle or Die t-shirt right now?

Of course I am.

How do I get one?

Purchase one our website www.extremerecyclinginc.com

Extreme Recycling has been recycling since 1993, before it was recently “cool” to be green again. What is the biggest change you have seen in this industry since 1993?

I would have to say the machinery to process the materials has been the biggest change. In the early days of disassembly it was electric drills and hand tools moving up to the air tools which we still use in our manual disassembly operation but shredding and separating materials is the new direction which we are a major player in.

What is the oldest/strangest piece of equipment you’ve seen pass through your facility?

Oldest would be the WANG and IBM mainframes from the late 70’s early 80’s and some of the 1st Apple and Radio Shack portable pc’s. Strangest things would be swords, Otis Spunkmier cookie machines, refrigerators full of food.

Tell us everything that Extreme Recycling does?

Extreme Recycling provides remarketing, refurbishing, and recycling of your computer, telecom, and networking E-Waste. We have been supplying cost effective, high quality E-Waste solutions since 1993. We perform recycling, asset management, re-marketing and data eradication services for many Fortune 500 Companies, non-profit companies, school districts, and government entities. Extreme Recycling also provides a free public E-Waste collection service at all of our facilities.

What do you do best?

Everything we do.  [Jason’s note:  One of the best business answers in the world.  Especially when you can back it up like Extreme can.]

How many tons of stuff do you recycle?

In 2008 it was about 4300 tons. 8.6 million pounds.

What is the most common item that passes through your facility?

Mainly office electronics like computers, monitors, printers, copiers.  And now that we service the community as well as Corporate America, it is TVs, microwaves and all of the different kinds of home electronics

You’ve got some gigantic clients – what is it like to be audited by your clients?

No problem at all. When our clients audit us we can provide all of their information requests through ON DEMAND reporting from our customized database.

Why do you let yourselves be audited?

Being visible to the customer is important it shows that we are legitimate and have nothing to hide.

Tell us about your Pri-Max 770. What does that do for your clients?

It is funny that the videos on you tube shows our actual machine shedding a lawn tractor! For our customers it provides piece of mind that their materials are being processed in our facility and not being exported for processing somewhere else which is a huge concern with most companies today.

Extreme Recycling is very active in the community: Toys for Tots, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Keep America Beautiful, Lance Armstrong Foundations, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics of Kansas and California, American Stroke Association, Humane Society of the US, and Cells for Cells. HOW in the world do you support all of those?

One donation at a time through small contributions that will, over time, become even larger as we continue to grow.

Tell us about your owner and founder Dino De Marco. What is his story?

The thing that attracted me to Dino was his passion for this industry and how he educates people on the importance of recycling.  When we first met, he was trying to keep kids off the streets and off drugs  through his recycling business.  I couldn’t work in this industry for any other company because Dino is the “Real Deal.”  He does what he says, never says no, and NEVER QUITS.  THAT is the biggest part of our success and I am honored to be a part of his dream.

Do you have a big goal that you want to accomplish with Extreme Recycling?

You mean our BHAG? (Big hairy audacious goal) To become a leader in the industry and a company name that is known nationwide.

Do you see recycling being any different in 2009 with this economy?

Yes, I do:  Through long term relationships with good downstream vendors – only the strong will survive.

Do you have any predictions for the future of recycling?

In Electronics recycling, I believe that any company that only got into this industry to turn dollars and doesn’t believe in all that is involved with recycling will not be in business in the near future.

I just updated my DVD player at home and I will buy a new HD TV this year. What hints do you have for people like me that have some old home electronics? I don’t want to drive to Topeka to dispose of it “appropriately.” What should I do?

Look at the local county websites under Solid Waste facilities in the area and also just search online for approved e-Waste processors in the area.

Let me ask you a tough question: Can Extreme Recycling help a company make money?

Yes we can; but that shouldn’t be the only motive for a company to utilize our services.

How easy is it to use Extreme Recycling services?

It’s simple just call [785-267-1700] and one of our trained customer service reps will assist you.

Who is your ideal client?

Any company in need of the services that we provide. Keep in mind that our primary focus is the environment and how we can educate any company to be accountable for the materials they generate.

What is your take on mandatory versus voluntary recycling?

We believe in voluntary recycling through education.

We just connected on LinkedIn. How important do you think embracing social networking tools will be in 2009.

Very. Electronic communication is part of reducing your footprint.

Biggest business mistakes to avoid in 2009?

1.  Over-investing in areas that will not provide good returns.  2.  Spending money on wants and not on true necessities.  We [Extreme] have really changed our structure in production and employees and have really seen an overall improvement.

What cell phone do you use?

Blackberry curve 8330

What recycling tips do you have for large companies? What recycling tips do you have for small businesses? What recycling tips do you have for just regular Joe and Jane Public?

Large company or Small company; Joe or Jane should all remember the same thing:  Do the research when dealing with companies that provide our type of services look at the local state and government standards and make sure they are being followed.

Last words?

Recycle or Die

Jennifer Hancock: Single Mom, Battling Cancer, Staying Positive

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Jennifer Hancock: Single Mom, battling cancer
Jennifer Hancock: Single Mom, battling cancer

Jennifer Hancock, from Carl Junction, Missouri is April’s Extreme Medical Bill Makeover Recipient.

Jennifer will receive a check from Cells for Cells for $1000 to spend as she needs as she battles cancer and will receive $1000 in services/consulting from Your Wellness Connection in Shawnee, Kansas.

Congratulations Jennifer!

Here’s her story:

At age 25, I went from “bad hair days” to “no hair days”.  Thinking that losing my hair would be the hardest step for me as a young woman with cancer, I soon figured out that it wasn’t – the hardest step was going to be the life-long fight I had in front of me.

On January 18, 2006, I was diagnosed with Stage 3 Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.  I was in total shock.  I had hardly ever had the flu, common cold, or any other illness. I seemed perfectly healthy.  That day was hard to absorb all the information the doctors had given me.  The main thing that kept running through my head was how I was going to tell my mother…

…it was her birthday.

Being a mother myself to my son (who was four at that time), I knew the bond a mother and father has with their children.  I knew I’d have to stay strong and up-beat so they would be also.  My oncologist told me that Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is 90% curable so the chances of a full remission were in my favor.  My positive attitude was based off this hope that I would indeed beat cancer and not ever have to look back.  My strong will and determination to resume my “normal” everyday routine; work full time at my job I’ve currently been at for six years and continue to raise my son (who’s in first grade now), I believed helped my family, friends, & co-workers cope with all the other changes I was facing.

After my first full cycle of chemotherapy, I relapsed within a couple months.

I then proceeded with another full cycle of a different combination of chemotherapy which also left me in relapse after a few months.

Every time my cancer was back I knew because I would gain water retention. The water gain would max out at about sixty pounds. This would wear me out. Just imagine walking with sixty pounds of weights on you everyday, all day.  I had also hurt my knee in the meantime so I was on crutches.

Let’s just say I was miserable.

The doctors then decided that I may be in the 10% of Hodgkin’s patients that may not be able to be cured. We then prepared for an autologous stem cell transplant. They said if I could be in remission before I start the transplant, that I would have a much better chance of a longer remission.  So I was then hospitalized for a cycle of heavy chemotherapy.

I ended up having a rare reaction to one of the medicines. I woke up in a daze not knowing what day it was or what was going on.  I remember occasionally just laughing hysterically for no reason and then returning to sleep.  The nurses had to wake me up every couple hours to make sure I didn’t fall into a coma.  My doctor finally got this rare reaction reversed and I mentally turned back to my normal self.  I have to say it was very scary.

I joke about it now and tell my mom if that ever happens again to make sure to turn the television off because every time an infomercial came on (due to the state of mind I was in) I kept thinking I had to buy whatever it was they were selling.  Thank goodness I didn’t know where my bank card was or I would have ended up with vacuums, mops, jewelry, and every exercise machine you could think of! Ha ha..

After this chemo, my P.E.T. scan showed that I was not in total remission, but I would have to proceed with the stem-cell transplant anyways and pray that it would be a success. After many trips to St. Louis for pherisis (the process where they collect my own stem-cells and freeze them to prepare for the transplant), I finally was hospitalized for a month in St. Louis to under go the transplant.

I had never felt so ill and so drained in my life. I was released to go home, and after two days of being home, I dragged myself to work.  I was still nauseated and so ill.

Missing work for a month, and all the other days I had missed for the preparation of the transplant really put a number on my finances.  I did the best I could at work and still managed to get my son to school on time.

As time went by, I started feeling better and regaining some energy. I had gone four months in remission.  I was ecstatic. I was starting to feel like my “normal” self again.  That was longest I had ever been in remission.

That was all changed after another scan showed the cancer was throughout my whole body again.

I am currently participating in a research provided through Washington University / Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.  I travel there once a month, sometimes a little more, to refill my prescription.  The pill I’m on is hopefully to keep the cancer under control.  I will always have Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but the main thing now is just to keep it from spreading.

Two co-workers of mine were recently diagnosed with different forms of cancer.  I believe my continuous upbeat attitude may have helped them to stay positive and to understand that it’s easier to cope with the changes depending on how you deal your situation. I hope that I’ve been a positive impact on cancer patients and others.  I got the chance to talk to a girl a few years younger than me and give her tips on getting used to wigs and what to expect.

Wigs have their pro’s and con’s, but I’ve come to find out a “no hair day” with a wig, can be better than a “bad hair day”!

Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Victor Melendez, former VP Marketing – Sustainability at Pepsicola North Amercia talks with Cells for Cells

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Victor Melendez

We can all agree that green initiatives cannot be successful when only a few individuals try to make sweeping changes: it’s when a large group of people make tiny adaptations that the results are staggering.

Victor Melendez knows this first hand.  He is the former VP of Marketing – Sustainability of PepsiCola North America.  Pepsi has some 168,000 employees.

Obviously, Victor possesses a deep understanding of recycling and sustainability on a large scale and it was during Victor’s tenure that Pepsi became a Cells for Cells partner.

Victor is now the Principal at VM Consulting, a marketing-sustainability firm (Victor Melendez LinkedIn profile) and I can’t say enough good things about him.  The bottom line is that he is one of the most brilliant minds in his field and more than generous to answer these questions.

On Cells for Cells

Jason: I love telling the story of how we connected and how it only took 3 business days for Pepsi to decide to partner with Cells for Cells. Tell our readers how it was that you decided so quickly.

Victor: Well it was really an easy decision for me.  At that time, we were rolling out our recycling initiative and it just felt like a perfect fit for us.  It allowed us to involve our employees in recycling in a very simple and no-hassle way and it also allowed us to do something good beyond that. On the other hand, I also connected with your mission on a personal level. To me it was a simple win-win situation for everyone involved.

Jason: What was the most common thing you heard everyone saying about the Cells for Cells program?

Victor: That they would have never thought of it, they were very excited about how easy it was to help and do some good while at the same time getting those old cells out of their hands.

On Recycling and Sustainability

Jason: What are 4 things that everyone can do right now to be better at recycling?

Victor:

1- Know the facts, talk to your local hauler or municipality to learn how it works in your neighborhood.

2- As much as possible, try to buy products that are recyclable or come in recyclable packaging.

3- Get your kids involved and your neighbors if you can!

4- Volunteer at school or a local project to get the community involved as well.

Jason: In the Cell Phone industry there is a saying, ‘the biggest battle is against gravity.’ Once an old cell phone is put down (in a box, drawer, storage) it is very difficult for the consumer to take the action to recycle it. What do you think the biggest battle is in recycling?

Victor: Lack of awareness, information and knowledge.  Most people are still very confused about what is recyclable and what is not, where to place it, what to do with it, etc.  I think there needs to be a much more conscious effort to educate the consumer on what to do and how to do it.  Most people want to do the right thing; we need to help them figure out just how to do that.

Jason: Who do you think is doing the best job in the sustainability field? And why?

Victor: It is hard to say who is the doing the best; I can say that it is very gratifying to see how many companies across many sectors and industries are doing great things and paving the way for others do follow.

Jason: What do you see happening with sustainability in the short term? For the rest of 2009?

Victor:  Given the current economy and its challenges, it has been and it will continue to be a tough year for sustainability as many companies have cut their budget and spending on “green” initiatives.  At the same time, consumers are struggling to get by and more and more are being forced to make tough choices to make their money go farther.

Nonetheless, I still think there is a much greater awareness of the issues we face on the sustainability front and most people are still looking for and willing to make changes ( even if small ) in their daily lives to do their part.

Jason: You are now the Principal at VM – Marketing & Sustainability. What is your mission at VM?

Victor: To help corporations guide, shape and disseminate their sustainability agenda and influence the way it is brought to life to consumers and all other relevant groups involved.

Jason: Small or Large? What kind of company can use your service?

Victor: My experience has been with large companies but the same principles apply to both large and small companies as the need and relevance to think about sustainability really cuts across all sectors.

Jason: Would you describe your firm as an outsourced Chief Sustainability Officer?

Victor: Yes, I am able to help a company define and bring to life its sustainability strategy in a holistic way by involving all areas of the business and looking at both internal and external constituents, always with the ultimate goal to maximize the company’s benefit and ensuring the creating of brand value.

Jason: From where do you think the biggest innovations (that consumers can get their hands on and actually use) in recycling or sustainability will come?

Victor: They will probably come from two key places:  The first one being many of the companies we know today as they are trying to move the sustainability agenda forward.  There is a lot of work being done in the innovation space to bring more sustainable products and services; evaluating new alternatives in materials and raw materials; and they way these are sourced and disposed of. The second place that I think will greatly foster the sustainability movement and recycling, in particular, is the work being done by many small entrepreneurial firms in collaboration with government, NGO’s and universities.

On Battling Cancer

Jason: Do you mind sharing a little bit about your personal story with cancer?

Victor: I have seen cancer up close know how difficult it is for everyone involved directly or indirectly, I have lost several family members to it including my grandfather and two aunts. I also saw my wife fight and struggle with cancer and its treatment at a very young age, thank God she is one of the lucky ones who made it and survived it and has been in remission for the past 3 years.

Jason: How do you stay strong? How do you encourage others that are battling cancer? How do you remain positive? How do you keep going when it looks so tough?

Victor: For me it has always been about trying to stay positive, to keep looking forward and not to think too much about how difficult or unfair it is. I kept telling myself that I had to be strong for her and our two kids and that I had to keep moving forward taking one day at a time. It is never easy and, of course, it is easier for those of us who are close but still “outside”.  But the staying positive and not allowing myself go to the “worst case” scenario helped me pull through it and allowed me to stay strong to be there for her and the kids.

Jason: Would you call yourself a fighter?

Victor:  Absolutely, I never give up, even when things get rough; I focus on the future, take one step at a time and keep trying.

Jason: What would you say is the most important thing a friend or family member can do or say to someone battling cancer?

Victor: Be there for them, let them know [that] you know how hard it is for them, and let them know what you are there to do anything to help them out.  Sometimes just being there to listen to them goes a long way.  Also, don’t make them feel like you feel sorry for them and don’t shy away from them because they are sick.  Treat them like you would any other member of your family.

On Social Networking and Social Media

Jason: Do you see Social Networking and Social Media married to sustainability?

Victor: Yes, they are a powerful force that is allowing for people to stay connected and share / shape their vision and passion about this issue. These mediums allow for people’s voices to be heard and make powerful statements, they are also a great tool to disseminate information and improve awareness.

Jason: What online tools do you use for Social Networking / Media?

Victor: I use Linkedin to stay connected to my professional network and to research companies I might be interested in.

On Getting Personal

Jason: Tell us some things that you do personally to be a good steward of our planet?

Victor:

– I have changed all the light bulbs in our house to CFLs

– I have lowered the temperature on our water heater and insulated all the pipes

– We only run full loads on the washing machine and the dish washer and only do it at night

– We recycle everything we can and only buy products that come in recyclable packaging

– We only use reusable grocery bags for our grocery shopping

– We all plant a few trees every “earth day” as a family tradition

– We try to use the car as little as possible and plan out errands to maximize each trip

– We buy as many organic items as we can

Jason: What cell phone do you use?

Victor:  A Blackberry

Jason: What do you do when you are not “working”?

Victor: I spend as much time as I can with my wife and kids

Jason: Favorite outdoor activity?

Victor: Playing tennis

Jason: Favorite raw food?

Victor: Sushi

Jason: What other causes do you support and why?

Victor: WorldVision – I believe that by making a difference in one child’s life at a time you also greatly benefit his family and society as a whole. If we all did that, there would be a lot less violence and a lot less unhappy children in the world

Jason: Last question:  What do you think it will take to cause consumers to be better with recycling?

Victor: More information, more awarenss, making it easier for people to participate, increasing availability of containers to do so.