“Change” for our Earth

Photo Source: uhuru1701

Change for our Earth, a new program launched by Coinstar, brings awareness to the environmental impact of putting back into circulation all the coins that sit idle in your house.  An estimated $10 billion worth of coins are underneath our couch cushions, in jars and in our cars.  Reusing just 10% of this supply would contribute another 15 billion coins into our economy.  Reducing the number of new coins that need to be produced lowers environmental impacts and preserves natural resources worldwide.  Copper is used in all U.S. coins and if the 15 billion coins mentioned above were reintroduced into our economy the environmental savings would be substantial. 

Environmental Savings                                 Equivalency

Water Consumption                                     82 million showers

Energy Consumption                                    4.1 million 60-watt light bulbs

Carbon Emissions                                        12,619 cars off the road/yr

Waste Materials                                          5.3 million pick-up loads

Source: Coinstar

The average U.S household has $90 in loose change.  By gathering this change you will not only be able to treat yourself, but you will also help the environment.  To find the environmental impact of your change, click here.