Sara’s Tech Tips: Spring Cleaning Your Gadgets
February 20, 2011 at 10:16 am , by Ladies' Lounge
Editor’s Note: We’re excited to introduce LHJ’s new tech contributor, Sara Haines of NBC’s Today show! This month she’s got some great tips for spring cleaning your tech clutter.
Chances are, you’ve got an old cell phone or two stuffed in a drawer. Maybe you have an outdated TV gathering dust in the basement or a printer that doesn’t really work any more. Most of these gadgets can’t even be fixed (or in many cases it’s cheaper to buy a new one). Or maybe your kids had to have that new game system and quickly forgot the old one. But what should we do with all this tech clutter? Unlike your usual spring cleaning, it’s not as simple as dropping these outdated tech toys into the trash. Some of the materials, like the cathode ray tubes in televisions, can be hazardous in landfills, and other items that still work can be donated instead of ditched. Here are my three favorite tips to help you “spring clean” responsibly when it comes to your has-been electronics.
Company “take back” programs. Many big chain stores (such as Staples and Best Buy) and manufacturers (like Apple and Sony) have beefed up their “green” game by offering incentives or resources to recycle old consumer gadgets. Check out Engadget to find the most comprehensive list (including stores, manufacturers, and government agencies) for these “take back” programs.
Recycling. The resources are available for electronic recycling vary depending on where you live, but many gadgets can be recycled. Here are a few sites that can help you find the best options for your area. Earth911.com and MyGreenElectronics.org both allow you to search for a recycling center by ZIP code. ElectronicsRecycling.org is also a great resource to find collection events taking place locally.
Tech patience. Practice self control when it comes to new gadgets. It may be hard for you (or your husband or kids) to pass up that shiny new gizmo, but holding out for the second round of a product gives manufacturers time to work out early developmental glitches. Buying later also practically guarantees a lower price. Patience is a virtue that will reduce electronic waste while saving you money!
Categories: Entertainment, Home, Ladies' Lounge | Tags: clutter, electronics, gadets, Sara Haines, Sara's Tech Tips, spring cleaning, technology | 28 Comments
28 Responses to “Sara’s Tech Tips: Spring Cleaning Your Gadgets”
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Written on March 1, 2011 at 10:08 am, by Sandra Spagnuolo
I’m looking for April 2011, clean up you online act w/Sara!!From page 10,
Written on March 2, 2011 at 8:19 am, by norma mills
I am not able to connect or find Sara’s “how to spring-clean your PC and streamline your online life” in the LJH as listed on page 10. Please clarify.
Written on March 4, 2011 at 11:09 am, by Deborah Fox
What happened to Sara’s tips on cleaning your PC?
Written on March 5, 2011 at 1:00 am, by zoraida pallen
still looking for sara’s tip “how to spring-clean your pc. what happen?
Written on March 6, 2011 at 12:52 pm, by Alex Wisniewski
Someone ought to proof read what they say in an article. NOTHING on cleaning ones PC.
Written on March 8, 2011 at 6:41 pm, by Jacquie Lawson
I do not see anything in Saras online spot that refers to cleaning up the PC and streamlining my PC– help !!!!!
thank you
Written on March 8, 2011 at 10:21 pm, by Dottie Mainberger
Still havn’t seen anything on cleaning your PC.
Written on March 9, 2011 at 7:27 pm, by Anne Melcher
What happened to the to spring cleaning your PC?
Written on March 11, 2011 at 3:42 pm, by Teri Giacini
Ditto to all of the above. Not at all like LHJ
to not deliver as promised. Really disappointed!
Written on March 12, 2011 at 9:47 pm, by Arlene
I can not find “declutter your computer and streamline your online life” @ LHJ.com/sara…as stated in your newest magazine.
Written on March 13, 2011 at 2:33 pm, by June D.
I just received the April 2011 LHJ. I appreciate the SKPE download info and the FREEBIES info/site. BUT, I am not able to find Sara’s “how to spring-clean your PC and streamline your online life” in the LJH as listed on page 10. How/where do I find this info?
Written on March 14, 2011 at 9:27 pm, by Tareena Penrod
Where is the information for how to spring clean you p.c.? Thank you for any help you can give me.
Written on March 15, 2011 at 4:20 pm, by Grandma Carol
I can not find the part about the PC clean up.
I am not tech oriented but my computer is 5 yrs old and i think I would do wll with Sara’s help.
Can you send a link to the specific Spring cleaning a PC in April issue.
Carol
Written on March 15, 2011 at 9:30 pm, by Thelma Byers
I two am looking for pc cleanup Help!
Written on March 16, 2011 at 12:51 am, by judy perdue
ALSO DISAPPOINTED, THINKING I WOULD LEARN SOMETHING ABOUT CLEANING UP MY PC. THIS SITE JUST TELLS US HOW TO RECYCLE ELECTRONIC GADGETS. IS THERE ANOTHER SITE FOR PC SPRING CLEANING?
Written on March 16, 2011 at 10:36 pm, by dorothy Istenes
What about a spring clean for MAC when the PC one finally appears??
Written on March 17, 2011 at 10:36 am, by Jo
Also looking for spring cleaning my PC
Written on March 26, 2011 at 12:28 pm, by ANN B
I’m also disappointed. I’m still looking for spring cleaning my PC
Written on March 28, 2011 at 6:14 pm, by Peg
I was really looking forward to cleaning up my PC. Very disappointed there are no ideas or instructions here.
Written on March 28, 2011 at 8:07 pm, by Barbara Asperger
Ditto everyone above! How do I spring-clean my pc and streamline my online life!
Disappointed LHJ!
Written on March 31, 2011 at 6:15 pm, by TRISH ROBLEE
Double ditto on the Spring cleaning pc where is the information hiding—-
Written on March 31, 2011 at 8:30 pm, by Fran Yates
Nothing there about how to clean up your PC? Somebody made a boo boo.,
Written on April 17, 2011 at 1:39 am, by Marti
Disappointed to not be able to spring clean my PC.
Looks like a lot of people had the same idea. What’s the problem?
Written on June 4, 2011 at 2:03 pm, by Karen Amato
Please, would someone from LHJ reply? Seems many of us are interested, and would like the information you advertised. I usually don’t find the time to look these things up…would like to find it.
Written on July 20, 2011 at 8:52 am, by Joan Sutton
I also with all the people above would like the info you advertised.
Written on September 4, 2011 at 11:27 am, by Nell D
also could not find keyboard cleaning.
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