Electronics collection helps protect the environment

The Meyersdale Area High School National Honor Society chapter has launched a new initiative designed to change the world, one gorilla at a time! Members are collecting old or outdated electronics to be recycled and help efforts to conserve a limited and valuable metal called coltan. Coltan mining is the primary cause of deforestation in Central Africa.

This electronics drive was the inspiration of member Kaydence Smith. Smith has a unique perspective on this topic because of her experience at the International Conservation Center (ICC), an extension of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium. She learned about coltan and its impact through her work at the ICC and felt compelled to put her passion for saving animals into action!

Smith said the metal, coltan, is in high demand in Central Africa, but mining it is killing the gorilla population.

“We need to do everything we can to help protect all animals and this is one way we can help gorillas,” she explained. “Recycling your old electronics is an easy way to help limit coltan mining and stop the deforestation that is leading to the deaths of gorillas and other animals.”

NHS is accepting old phones, mp3 players, tablets, earbuds and smartwatches through the end of April. Collection boxes have been set up in all three offices at Meyersdale Area School District.