Looking for a way to bring a community together and help fight identity theft at the same time? Set up a paper shredding event in your town, community or school. Some schools require service learning or volunteer hours for graduation. This is a great way to get some hours in and maybe make some money. You could also collect old or unused cell phones and make a some money for your school club or activity. It is good for the environment and for the locals. The more of these local events that are set up “grassroots” style the better. People are the real key to helping the environment. We can’t rely on the government especially with the economic situation in this country. The benefits:
* Prevent paper from getting in the waste stream!
* Helps manage solid waste
* Cut down on crime
* Community awareness about identity theft
* Feeling of group purpose
“Perhaps the single biggest surprise when it comes to protecting your identity is that you’re in a terrific position to protect yourself,” said Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz.” (Rockwave.com) Empower people to protect themselves.
Shred first, trash last.
If you have tons of paper–meaning too much–to do with your own personal shredder try one of the following options.
1. The Attorney General’s Office periodically works with local recycling companies to sponsors Shred-A-Thons.
2. The Better Business Bureau also sponsors Shred-A-Thons with local recycling companies.
3. Some local recyclers do their own Shred-A-Thons to promote their business. Sometimes they give out coupons at those events. You’d have to check the phone book and call some to find out.
4. Your bank may offer free shredding from time to time.
