# The Berry Company Launches Phone Book Recycling Drive

- Link: https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/05/the-berry-company-launches-phone-book-recycling-drive/
- Published: 2013-05-21T02:03:49-04:00
- Author: greenlivingguy

## The Berry Company and Boy Scouts Launch Annual Phone Book Recycling Drive

In May 2013, The Berry Company joined forces with Boy Scouts of America to kick 
off their annual phone book recycling drive. This community-focused initiative encouraged
residents across multiple states to recycle outdated phone books. That’s rather 
than throwing them in the trash.

With the rise of digital directories, printed phone [books](https://greenlivingguy.com/reforest-contact/green-living-merch-make-a-positive-environmental-impact/)
were already in decline. Yet [millions still ended up in landfills](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/12/much-of-the-food-waste-sent-to-landfills-is-not-waste-at-all-but-actually-safe-wholesome-food-that-could-potentially-feed-millions/)
each year. The Berry Company, a leading local directory publisher, recognized the
environmental toll and responded by launching this recycling campaign with help 
from the Boy Scouts.

## Scouting for a Greener Community

Boy Scout troops in participating states collected outdated phone books from neighborhoods
and drop-off sites. In exchange for their efforts, troops [received donations from The Berry Company](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/05/john-hendricks-founder-of-discovery-communications-and-alan-mulally-ceo-of-ford-motor-company-received-prestigious-edison-achievement-award/)
based essentially on the number of books collected. This more notably gave Scouts
a chance to earn [funding for their programs](https://greenlivingguy.com/2010/09/ev-worldwire-xp-vehicles-files-bias-suit-over-federal-alt-energy-vehicle-funding-programs/).
All the while [supporting a real-world sustainability](https://greenlivingguy.com/2023/03/sustainable-golf-course-positive-impact-environment/)
effort.

The campaign served a dual purpose: keeping waste out of landfills and also helping
young people take [action on behalf of the environment](https://greenlivingguy.com/2005/12/david-cameron-vows-tough-green-action/).
For many Scouts, it was their first direct experience with environmental stewardship.

![Stack of illustrated phone books with a recycle symbol above promoting the berry
company and boy scouts annual recycling drive](https://i0.wp.com/greenlivingguy.
com/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/C9C61D50-11C4-489D-B249-3272655A0A80.png?resize=780%
2C1170&quality=50&ssl=1 "C9C61D50-11C4-489D-B249-3272655A0A80 - The Green Living
Guy")

The Berry Company and the Boy Scouts [encourage communities to recycle](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/05/how-to-encourage-children-to-be-more-sustainable/)
outdated phone books through their annual collection program

### Regional Reach, Local Impact: The Berry Company

The drive took [place in communities across several states](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/08/eleven-states-declaring-electric-cars-people-are-placing-orders-to-build-their-own-electric-vehicles-so-forget-wsj-com/).
Essentially where The Berry Company distributed directories, including Ohio, New
York, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Local collection events were also often paired with
Earth Day [activities or community](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/06/8-practical-ways-to-cope-with-eco-anxiety/)
clean-up days. This certainly gave residents a convenient way to recycle large volumes
of paper—and raised awareness about [reducing waste](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/07/4-sustainable-ways-to-get-rid-of-old-cars/).

Each ton of recycled paper [saves nearly 17 trees](https://greenlivingguy.com/2019/05/kids-saving-rainforests-planting-trees-over-world/),
7,000 gallons of water, and over 400 kilowatts of electricity. When scaled up to
community-wide participation, the numbers quickly added up. The program’s measurable
[impact offered a clear reminder that small](https://greenlivingguy.com/2016/07/huffpost-originals-launches-sustainable-self-an-original-animated-series-connecting-small-choices-to-big-impacts/)
actions can yield big environmental results.

### A Shift in Mindset

The effort wasn’t just about [recycling](https://greenlivingguy.com/2011/10/support-america-recycles-day-this-year/)
old phone books—it was about encouraging a broader shift. The [campaign also reminded residents to think](https://greenlivingguy.com/2013/04/recycling-help-join-the-think-yellow-campaign/)
twice before throwing printed materials in the trash. It also highlighted the importance
of [reducing paper usage](https://greenlivingguy.com/2021/04/10-ways-to-reduce-unnecessary-paper-use/)
in the first place, especially as digital tools become more accessible.

For The Berry Company, the campaign reinforced its [commitment to more sustainable](https://greenlivingguy.com/2014/04/wyndham-new-yorker-hotel-embracing-eco-friendly-initiatives/)
publishing practices. The company continued to look for ways to reduce its environmental
footprint by using [recycled paper](https://greenlivingguy.com/2020/04/easy-ways-to-live-more-eco-friendly/),
limiting print runs, and encouraging customers to opt out of print directories when
possible.

### Conclusion

This annual recycling drive turned a once-common item—the phone book—into a tool
for change. Through their partnership, The Berry Company and Boy Scouts of America
empowered communities to act locally and also [protect the planet](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/06/erosion-control-7-ways-to-protect-your-property-from-the-forces-of-nature/).
It was finally a simple yet effective reminder that even everyday [waste can be an opportunity for action](https://greenlivingguy.com/2022/11/water-waste-green-ways-curb-contamination/).

### Sources:

 1. [EPA – Benefits of Recycling Paper](https://www.epa.gov/recycle/recycling-basics)
 2. [Boy Scouts of America – Community Service Projects](https://www.scouting.org/programs/scouts-bsa/advancement-and-awards/community-service/)

[Source: GlobeNewswire](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2013/04/04/535919/10027408/en/The-Berry-Company-and-the-Boy-Scouts-Launch-Annual-Think-Yellow-Go-Green-Program-Invite-Lincoln-Community-to-Recycle-Outdated-Telephone-Directories.html)

 

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 The Green Living Guy, Seth Leitman is an independent power producer, a green living
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