• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Cells for Cells

Recycle Cell Phones to Help Families Battling Cancer

  • About Cells for Cells
  • I want to Recycle with Cells for Cells…
  • 501c3 Status…
  • Is it SAFE to recycle

sustainability

Turning Your Recycled Phones into Life-Saving Support

August 27, 2024 by admin

At Cells for Cells, we believe that recycling should be more than just a process—it should be a purpose. Thank you for trusting us with your old cell phones, allowing us to do more than simply recycle them. Together, we are turning discarded devices into vital support for families who are facing unimaginable battles.

A Heart-Wrenching Story: The Desch Family

Today, I want to share a deeply emotional story that exemplifies why your choice of recycling partner truly matters. The Desch Family is going through a challenge that no family should ever have to face—both of their children are fighting for their lives. Their daughter, Leona, is bravely battling Leukemia, and the financial and emotional toll on this family is overwhelming.

Through your partnership with Cells for Cells, we are able to channel the recycling dollars from old, broken, or unused cell phones to families like the Desches. While recycling your devices may seem like a small act, it has a massive impact on the lives of those in need.

Why Recycle with Cells for Cells?

Unlike other companies that may resell devices for profit, at Cells for Cells, our primary focus is to provide real help to families in crisis. We’ve raised tens of thousands of dollars for cancer charities by recycling cell phones, and every device you recycle with us allows us to continue supporting families like the Desches.

If you’re a wireless manager or IT asset manager overseeing hundreds or thousands of devices, imagine the impact you can make by choosing to recycle with Cells for Cells. Not only will you ensure that your devices are responsibly and ethically recycled, but you’ll also be directly contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference.

Call to Action: Join Us in Making a Difference

Your decision to recycle with Cells for Cells is a powerful way to make a meaningful impact. I invite you to connect with us today and learn how your company can support families battling cancer through our unique recycling program. Together, we can turn old phones into new hope.

Support the Desch Family and others like them by choosing Cells for Cells for your cell phone recycling needs.

To get started or for more information, visit Cells for Cells.

Jason Clements is the founder of and writer for Cells for Cells.  Jason has raised tens of thousands of dollars for Cancer Charities through his recycling program and has helped dozens of families in their battle against cancer.

He lives in Kansas and is an amateur artist.

You can follow Jason on X (Twitter) @jasonclements and Instagram @theartandtimesofjason

Filed Under: Cancer Support Tagged With: cell phone recycling, Cells for Cells, Recycle, sustainability

Boulevard Brewing: Doing Everything Right For The Environment

September 16, 2013 by jclements

Boulevard Brewing Co.Everyone knows that Boulevard Brewing makes excellent beer.  But did you know that they are also doing everything right for the environment?  Michael Utz is the Director of Engineering at Boulevard Brewing Company.  He’s been with Boulevard for 15 years and oversees most of the sustainability initiatives.  In this interview, Michael answers questions about the many sustainability practices at Boulevard.

1. What are 4 things anyone can do right now to be a better recycler?

Michael:  1.  Learn what your hauler/processor takes and doesn’t take in the regular stream.  2.  Seek outlets for other waste materials to improve diversion.  3.  Keep recyclables as clean as possible to reduce contaminants at processor.  5.  Teach a friend/family member about recycling.

2. The condescending use of tree hugger and granola to describe someone who cares about our environment seems to have gone away. Why do you think that happened?

Michael: I don’t know that that has happened completely (I’m guilty of occasional tongue-in-cheek references to myself as a “tree hugger”) but I really think environmental awareness through all forms of media has brought positive attention to the cause and people are beginning to pay attention to the fact that we were given just one earth.

3. What is the worst name you have been called while at Boulevard?

Michael: Probably that same “tree hugger” referred to above.

4. Describe what happens to a gallon of water when it enters Boulevard.

Michael: Our water starts as Missouri River water as it is taken from the river above the Kansas-Missouri confluence. That fact aside, we receive water from the Kansas City Municipal Water system. The water goes through several steps of filtration, dechlorination, softening, deaeration, ultraviolet sterilization, depending on where it will be used in the brewery. About one gallon of every four and a half gallons we bring into the brewery ends up leaving as beer with most of the remainder being used for cleaning operations prior to being discharged into our sewer system.

5. Your sustainability document states that you reduced water usage by 12% in 2011. What did your data show you for water usage in 2012? The first half of 2013?

Michael: Our water usage reduction goal for 2012 was 5% but we actually achieved another 12% reduction compared to 2011 rates. For the first half of 2013 we are trending at a 10% reduction compared to 2012.

6. What happens to the grain? Does all spent grain go to feed local cattle?

Happy Cow
Happy Cow

Michael: Our brewing process extracts most of the sugars from whole grains – barley and wheat – before discharging those grains to our spent grain system. Spent brewers grains are an excellent nutrition source for cattle and that is their primary use in the U.S. The spent grains can also be used as fillers in other animal feeds and I’ve also heard of them being used in breads, crackers and other foods for human consumption.

7. Can cows get drunk from eating the spent grain?

Michael: Spent grains do not contain alcohol as they haven’t been fermented so no, the cows that eat them do not get drunk.

8. You have no trash dumpster at Boulevard. Do your employees pack out any trash that they create? Do you embrace an urban style of Leave No Trace?

Michael: Well, when we first embarked on our “zero landfill” initiative, that’s exactly what we told our employees – they were responsible for any waste they generated. It didn’t take very long for people to adjust their behaviors to eliminate trash. I like the idea of Leave No Trace but find it very easy for people to use a waste receptacle if it’s available, especially in the absence of appropriate recycling options.

9. Sustainability is a foundational idea at Boulevard. Do you think that influences your employee to be better recyclers at home? Do you think you influence the public to be better recyclers?

Michael: We think we have been a positive influence on our employees because we take the time to educate them on the how’s and why’s of recycling behavior. Beyond that, to the public we try to lead with a positive example through all the tours and events we do each year as well as speaking about it every chance we get.

10. Boulevard has been instrumental in the success of glass recycling at Ripple Glass. Is this a common practice with all breweries?

Michael: We were presented with a unique opportunity/challenge with glass in Kansas City – no glass recycling options because there was no glass processor and no glass processor because there were no glass recycling options. A classic chicken and egg situation. Given our strong commitment to glass through our bottling operations, we decided that we should help solve that recycling dilemma so we could justify continuing use of bottles. That ultimately led to the formation of Ripple Glass. We can proudly state that the results have been astounding and, in 2013, through Ripple Glass we will recycle about four times the glass packaging used at Boulevard!

11. What most excites you for the future of sustainability at Boulevard?

Michael: Sustainability for us is about more than recycling. It’s about resource efficiency. The more efficiently we use our resources – electricity, water, packaging materials, labor, etc. – the more sustainable we become. This is a never ending process of continuous improvement.

12. What other local businesses do an excellent job in the area of sustainability?

Michael: Hallmark has shown great leadership in this area and provided a lot of support for us as we got our program started.

13. What is the biggest I-am-glad-we-don’t-do-that-anymore for you at Boulevard?

Michael: That’s got to be “making trash”. It really is a good feeling to know that your company is trying to make such a positive difference in their community!

14. What is your favorite outdoor activity?

Michael: Camping with my family.

15. Which Boulevard beer are you enjoying most right now?  

Boulevard On Tap
Boulevard On Tap

Michael: First of all that’s an unfair question because it’s like asking me which of my children is my favorite.  However, Pale Ale is the beer that suits me on most occasions and I will never, ever turn down one of our Smokestack offerings!

16. What is the best way for the public to connect with Boulevard?

Michael: The best way to connect is to go on a tour of our facilities to see all the cool things we’re doing and enjoy some delicious beer!

Additional Reading

How To Recycle Glass:  Ripple Glass Makes It Easy To Recycle Glass

How To Be A Better Recycler At Home

Filed Under: Kansas City Tagged With: beer, Boulevard Brewery, sustainability

How To Be Sustainable: Katie Killen Shares How The City Of Shawnee, Kansas, Practices Sustainability

August 19, 2013 by jclements

Katie Killen, Assistant City Manager at City of Shawnee, Kansas
Katie Killen, Assistant City Manager for the City of Shawnee, Kansas

Katie Killen is the assistant city manager for the city of Shawnee, Kansas.  Her work for the city involves solid waste, recycling and sustainability. In this interview, Katie answers questions about a city’s role in helping the public become better at recycling.

1.  What are 4 things that anyone can do right now to be a better recycler?

Katie:  Make it easy for yourself. If there is a way to fit it into your routine take advantage of it.

  1. Put a recycling can next to your trash can .
  2. Put a glass recycling container in a spot you will remember to take it with you, and make drop off part of the routine .
  3. Pin a reminder in an easy to find place to remember what can go curbside at your home.
  4. When in doubt on where take something, then check out recyclespot.org, a regional resource on recycling in the Kansas City area.

2.  Name some things that happen inside of the City of Shawnee’s offices that impacts the environment.

Katie:  We have a City-wide recycling policy in place that covers everything from common recyclables to motor oil, batteries and electronics.  We recently completed some energy efficiency projects in City facilities that upgraded lighting and HVAC systems.  The last major facilities that the City built (the Justice Center and Fire Station #72 off Renner and Johnson) are LEED certified.Station 72 LEED

3.  What do you think the City of Shawnee does best for the environment?

Katie:  Educating and leading by example. There are so many departments that touch on environmental stewardship through the work they do each day and in addition are out educating the public on topics that range from rain barrels to recycling, energy efficiency to water quality. Check out our latest Parks and Recreation Brochure.  Page 18-19 have some great classes.

4.  What do you feel is the most difficult part of promoting sustainability?  Easiest?  Continue Reading

Filed Under: Kansas City Tagged With: City of Shawnee, how to be sustainable, Katie Killen, sustainability

Making Recycling Convenient With The Solecan

August 15, 2013 by jclements

The SolecanThe Solecan

When is comes to innovations in recycling, people talk a lot about making it easier.  If you make recycling easier then more and more people will do it. 

Liz and Jeff Helfrich are making recycling easier with the Solecan.  The Solecan is a unique single can trash/recycling solution.  It has two separate sides–one for regular waste, one for recycling–that easily snap together to help you recycle.  

You can see the Solecan in action in the video at the end of this interview.  Or, if you want to see it now, scroll down and click play.

1.  What are 4 things that anyone can do right now to be a better recycler?

Jeff:  Convenience. Convenience.  Convenience.  Convenience. People only recycle if it is convenient.  If you want to improve recycling rates at home or in the office, then make it more convenient to recycle. Many studies have shown that the number one thing you can to do be a better recycler now is to make recycling more convenient for yourself.

2.  You are the inventor of the Solecan.  What is a Solecan?

Jeff: Actually, I am co-inventor of the Solecan with my wife, Liz.  The Solecan is a dual compartment receptacle with trash on one side and recycling on the other.  It snaps apart to make emptying the separate compartments a breeze.  It will be made from 100% recycled plastic.

Liz and Jeff Helfrich
Liz and Jeff Helfrich

3.  Why are you interested in sustainability? Continue Reading

Filed Under: Recycling Resources Tagged With: recycling, Solecan, sustainability

Keep Omaha Beautiful: A Sustainability Model For All Cities

August 15, 2013 by jclements

 photo by Cruise Curtis
photo by Cruise Curtis

Keep Omaha Beautiful, Inc. is an environmental organization that does what its name implies. KOB is dedicated to litter reduction, beautification and education on recycling and solid waste issues.

In this interview, Cindy Smilley, the Executive Director of KOB since 1990, encourages everyone to connect with KOB.  There are many opportunities for you to volunteer your time and dollars.  Here is the link for you to explore ways to get involved with Keeping Omaha Beautiful.

1.  What are the 4 easiest things that anyone can do right now to become a better recycler?

  • Just decide to start recycling…..today.
  • Find a place in your pantry, under the sink, or in the garage to place a recycling container. It doesn’t have to be fancy…just a box or container.
  • Talk to your kids about the recycling numbers on the bottom of plastics and educate them about what can be recycled in Omaha (and in your area).
  • Talk with your kids about recycling and have them watch you recycle…they can help too.

2.  What are the neatest changes you have seen in how Omaha takes better care of our planet?

Strong environmental groups have started that are very inclusive. They work together rather than by themselves.

3.  Name two companies that do excellent work in keeping Omaha beautiful. Continue Reading

Filed Under: Recycling Resources Tagged With: Cindy Smilley, Keep Omaha Beautiful, KOB, sustainability

Rockhurst University: Recycling Opportunities For Students

July 30, 2013 by jclements

Rockhurst University Logo

Rockhurst University is one of the top learning institutions in the Midwest.  But how do they rank in their sustainability efforts?  In this interview, Katherine Frohoff, Director of Public Relations at Rockhurst University, discusses opportunities for students to become better recyclers.

1.  What are 4 things that students can do right now to become better recyclers?

  1. Create a system for collecting personal recyclables and getting them in the bins.
  2. Use the bins correctly – don’t contaminate paper with food, for example.
  3. Keep sustainability in mind when organizing student events and work with university staff to ensure there are avenues for recycling.
  4. Think beyond the bin – look at personal consumption habits such as water usage, energy savings and purchasing habits

2.  Is there an environmental club where students can become more involved in sustainability initiatives?

We have several avenues – the Green Club, which is all students, the Sustainability Committee, which also involves faculty and staff, and involvement through various channels such as Student Senate and working with our Sodexo food service partner.

3.  What do you think Rockhurst University does best in the area of sustainability?

One of the things we do best is to collaborate across our internal constituencies to make positive changes. Just a few of the many areas that are involved in sustainability efforts are Physical Plant, Sodexo food service, Student Senate, Student Development, Faculty Senate and the Staff Advisory Council.

Recent Examples of Sustainability Efforts: Continue Reading

Filed Under: Recycling Resources Tagged With: Green Club, Rockhurst University, Student Recycling, sustainability

  • Page 1
  • Page 2
  • Go to Next Page »

Primary Sidebar

Read the Newest Stories Here

  • Cells for Cells Joins Shave to Save 2025 to Support Hope Lodge-KC!
  • Turning Your Recycled Phones into Life-Saving Support
  • How to Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy A14 5G
  • Factory Reset Samsung Galaxy S21 5G
  • Recycling Used Cell Phones: Yes, Even If Your Dog Chewed On It

Copyright © 2025 · Genesis Sample on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in