USTelecom Highlights How Broadband Can Help Protect the Environment
Release Date: 2008-04-21

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In honor of Earth Day, the United States Telecom Association (USTelecom) will highlight the many benefits to the environment from using new and innovative broadband services. Throughout the week, the association’s new, content-rich website will feature tips to help consumers understand how using broadband can help protect the health of the planet. 

“While broadband offers countless opportunities, one of the most important benefits broadband delivers is the chance for all consumers to play a role in protecting our planet,” said USTelecom President and CEO Walter B. McCormick Jr. “From telecommuting to recycling your electronic equipment to online shopping and bill paying, there are many easy options for each of us to make a difference.”

The site includes fast facts on how just a few simple steps can help save the planet. For example:

• Telecommuting can reduce greenhouse gas emissions by nearly 600 million tons over 10 years, saving 44 billion gallons of gas and giving non-commuters the equivalent of up to four additional weeks of vacation.
• E-commerce generates 36% less conventional air pollutants, 23% less hazardous waste and 9% less greenhouse gas emissions.
• Recycling electronic equipment can help prevent 70% of toxic waste in America’s landfills. 130 million cell phones are retired each year in the U.S. alone, and just 1% are recycled. Visit cellphonesforsoldiers.com for a free shipping label and donate your cell phone today.
• If all Americans recycled their phonebooks, it would save 650,000 tons of paper each year.

USTelecom’s site also includes an online video feature, “Broadband Now,” which outlines even more green tips for broadband users and highlights many of the steps that broadband service providers are taking to protect the environment.

To learn more about how you can use broadband to help protect the environment, visit USTelecom at www.ustelecom.org.