One more time…for the environment!
It’s called “used media”, and it refers to the useful stuff that we consumers accumulate–like books, videos and CDs–over the course of our consumer lifetimes. Some of this stuff ends up in yard sales, but much of it is thrown away (still in good condition), or simply piles up in our basements, attics and storage containers. For Seattle’s Eco Encore, this used media is the basis of its growing “eco economic” system which supports environmental work throughout the region. So, why not donate and support many environmental causes to boot?
How does the Eco Encore System Work?
Through collecting, selling and distributing “lightly used” media, the Seattle-based organization converts unwanted items into financial contributions that support a range of environmental causes throughout the Greater Seattle area.
Eco Encore accepts donations of lightly used media–many collected through donor drives–through its donation address (they recommend shipping by USPO Media Mail–the least expensive postal option) with all donated items listed on a donation form (available as a printable download on their site).
Used media items are inspected and then either distributed to other organizations in need of it, or sold through it’s own on-line store. Eco Encore also has its own Amazon.com store. All commissions from these sales are donated to Eco Encore’s “eco-partners”.
Whenever possible, deliveries of goods are made via alternative forms of transportation (like bicycle, bus or foot) are used (and Amazon.com is head-quartered in Seattle) to minimize pollution and fossil fuel consumption.
Eco Encore also uses recycled and used paper for all its mailing and packaging, and it utilizes the USPO for longer distance shipping, which it feel is the most “environmentally efficient system”.
The organization has ten general drop-off sites, and an additional eleven sites just for books, scattered through the Greater Seattle area, as well as a blog that offers local, regional, national and international environmental news.
For more information about Eco Encore–or maybe even to start your own similar system in your city, town or county–contact Jesse (at) ecoencore.org or call 206-547-1517. If you happen to be in the Fremont neighborhood (“The center of the universe”), the main office is located at 4517 Fremont Ave E.
If you are not able to drop off donations, the donation mailing address (don’t forget the donation form) is: Eco Encore / Attn: Media Donations – W001 / 900 1st Ave S, Suite #205-B / Seattle, WA 98134
About Michael Ricciardi
