Welcome Everyone to 2009. What a year it's going to be.

This is the year the Green Slacker is going to kick it up a notch. Over the holidays and a couple of glasses of wine, my friend and fellow blogger Isa and I came up with some great ideas for the Green Slacker blog. Our goal is to have fun, be "greener" than last year and recruit more green slackers to our cause!

We are going to kick this year off with a few words about TVs because very shortly digital broadcasting will be the only format available on network television.

On February 17th of this year full-powered TV stations must begin broadcasting in digital format. Congress passed the law in 2005 for a variety of reasons including the need to free up airwaves for public safety use. That means you either have to buy a converter box for your old analog TV or buy a new digital TV if you want to watch your favorite television shows.

Getting rid of your old analog television is not mandatory by any means. If you have cable service, your analog TV will work just fine. If you only use your analog TV to watch videos or occasionally play a video game or two - no problem!

If you decide a new, flat screen TV is the way to go (regardless of the reason), please consider the following:

#1: TVs are not landfill "friendly". They can contain lead, mercury and other toxins very harmful to our environment. Recycle your old TVs with a reputable recycler. Ask your recycler what they do with the TV tubes and other internal components.

#2: News 8 is sponsoring a free TV drop off on January 23rd and 24th at Reunion Area. If you cannot bring your TV by on either of those days, you can drop your old set off at the NW Transfer Station at 9500 Harry Hines or the NE Transfer Station at 7677 Fair Oaks Ave.

#3: Recycle Revolution will recycle televisions for a $30 flat fee - drop off only. They are located at 4307 Willow St. and are open M-F from 9 am to 5 pm. Contact them at 214-566-3025.

#4: E-Waste Collections in Irving will also accept TVs for a drop off fee. The fee is $10-$40 depending upon the type and size of the television. For an additional fee, they will also pick-up your television. Please contact Terry at 817-707-2448 to make arrangements and discuss the fee. E-Waste Collections is located at 1520 West Irving Blvd in Irving.

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