I received an email from Tashira Tierney-Houze, a public relations executive out of Columbus, Ohio, with SBC Advertising. Let me tell you how awesome it is to hear from someone in Ohio responding to a gripe from someone in Hawaii. However, I suspect she might have been tipped off by someone at Hawaiian Telcom.  I assume my "Stop Printing Phone Books" group, which I just started on Facebook a couple of weeks ago,  was the catalyst for her getting in touch with me. You know what? I love it. I love the power of the Internet. I love the power of social media. Our world is rapidly changing, and for the better, thanks to technology. Luddites, be damned.

Here's what Tashira had to say:

"Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages has kicked off "Think Yellow Go Green," the annual telephone directory recycling program on Oahu. Outdated telephone directories can be recycled every weekend until Feb. 14, 2010. Drop off locations and times are detailed below. "

OK. Here's what I'm wondering. You know those phonebooks that just got dropped off? I don't know about you, but I don't want them. And I don't want them in the future either. Can I bring them to be recycled or will I be forced to keep them because they aren't "outdated?" And how can I get off the list for getting phone books in the future?
 
Tashira continues:

"If you lined up last year's total recycled directories, end to end, it would stretch the total distrance from Honolulu to Maui! Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages wants to exceed last year's total of 90 tons to ensure all outdated directories are recycled into usable goods.
 
"The neat thing about this project is that Hawaiian Telcom Yellow Pages has partnered with to make the result a lasting impression on Oahu. All recycled directories will be processed at Island Shell, a local recycling plant, and converted into environmentally safe products including materials for vehicle oil change kits, mulch and wall insulation products which will then be sold and used locally. Think Yellow Go Green will ensure its mission is supported on each island from start to finish.
 
"This program only runs through Feb. 14. We'd appreciate any help you can provide to spread the word about the Think Yellow Go Green recycling program.

 
Mahalo,
Tashira
 
Oahu Think Yellow, Go Green Recycling Program Schedule:
Dates:
Friday, Jan. 22-Sunday, Jan. 24
Friday, Jan. 29-Sunday, Jan. 31
Friday, Feb. 5-Sunday, Feb. 7
Friday, Feb. 12-Sunday, Feb. 14
 
Times:
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
 
Drop off locations:
Ward Centers
Windward Mall
Waikele Premium Outlets
Kahala Mall
 
Mahalo, Tashira!