Wow, it’s Thursday already! Where did the week go? It seems it was just Monday and I was getting ready to call Earth Works Systems about getting a list of companies who recycle their used gift cards.
Yesterday I received an e-mail response to my request; it seems there are a couple of big name companies using Earth Works Systems program. Here is the response:
Hi Sari,
I’m sorry I missed your call…
The GAP, Half Price Books, Whole Foods, Rite-Aid, Ace Hardware and many others are participating in returning “spent” gift cards to Earthworks. Eventually we will have a partner’s page on our web site that will list all the companies that are participating.
Here is the address that cards can be shipped to:
Earthworks c/o Halprin Ind.
25840 Miles Rd.
Bedford, Oh 44146
* Please make sure packages that are sent are sealed well.
Please don’t hesitate to call me if you have any further questions or suggestions, we love suggestions!
Regards, Rodd
During my initial call to Earth Works I was told AppleBees, and some Ohio based Starbuck are also using the program. I figure if some Ohio Starbucks can recycle their gift cards (and since they push them every chance they get like dealers with a quota to fill) the entire company can. I have set up a box at work in the hopes that my co-workers will bring their used cards in to be recycled. I have even gotten my boss to get his Boy Scout troupe in on the act. They are going to see if they can start collecting used cards.
What I would really like to see is less gift card use among consumers. It is getting to be the ideal gift for teens but do we really want to give our teens the gift of overwhelmed landfills too? Before you purchase your next gift card ask yourself if a check wouldn’t work just as well. Paper is will breakdown in left in a landfill unlike the plastic card. Ask companies if they offer reloadable gift cards; my local SaveMart will reload a card if asked.
I know it seems trivial, but every time we throw something away we are contributing to a larger problem.
The View From Sari's World 
I don’t think it sounds trivial at all, was just thinking while were at it maybe we should cut down on some of the other kinds of cards as well, not just the plastic ones. Reminds me of the discussion we had once at the group about how people wrote letters and used all the available space on the paper. I imagine they did it cause paper was very expensive but still , it’s something to think about.
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