Erasing Electronics Buyer Remorse
Recycling as an everyday practice has become more and more common these days. But what about all those gadgets you accumulate? What happens to them? There are many options out there, but for most, they involve more cost, effort, and time then our busy schedules or motivation will allow. Sure, there are some newer options such as Second Rotation, the company I profiled in January that quotes you a value for your product based on the condition you claim it’s in, then they inspect it, and either give you that amount, or a different agreed upon one. But even there, with the free shipping and the possibility of getting cash rather then spending it to recycle, it’s based on current market value, a wildly fluctuating amount, as the new half price twice the speed iPhone exemplifies.
What if you could guarantee exactly how much you’d get, based on how long you’ve owned it, at the time of purchase? This is now a reality, via the company Tech Forward. You can buy a product at any store you like, then purchase their Guaranteed Buyback service, which covers a wide range of electronics, from MP3 players to desktop computers.
It arrived last Monday: text messaging and anytime minutes behind a shiny silver faceplate. After a couple years of living cell phone-free, I finally found a company that makes me feel good about owning one. It’s consumer activism made sweet and easy.
So you want something simple to do your part? Just unplug your cell phone charger. 
Want a ringtone that'll turn some heads? Download the howl of a Mexican Wolf or the call of a Blue-throated Macaw. 
Image via T3Imagine a cell phone that would power itself by the use of a few tiny solar panels. No more low battery beep, or guilt for forgetting to unplug your charger from the outlet. As long as it sees the light of day long enough to catch a few rays, you're in business. While they aren't on the market just yet, a few companies are experimenting with prototypes that could ultimately 