Saturday, Apr. 16, 2011

Business refills ink to save landfill

Don't rebuy, just reuse, say Bonnie and Steve Holder.

The husband-and-wife team are owners of two Cartridge World locations in the Triangle, a franchise which specializes in refilling ink and LaserJet cartridges.

As Earth Day approaches, many strive to be environmentally friendly, but the Holders subscribe to the mantra of "reuse and recycle" throughout the year by keeping cartridges out of landfills and implementing recycling campaigns throughout the community.

The avid gardeners and local environmentalists have dedicated themselves to a business that contributes to global recycling efforts and aim to continue their efforts in the future.

"Using refilled ink and LaserJet is the highest form of recycling since the original product is reused in its original state," said Steve Holder.

The Holders caught wind of the franchise that now boasts more than 1,800 locations worldwide and opened the first Cartridge World in the state in 2004 on Pleasant Valley Road.

Customers that visit the Pleasant Valley Road location or the pair's North Raleigh Cartridge World, located on Falls of Neuse Road, will not only help efforts to keep print cartridges out of landfills but might just learn something as well, says Bonnie Holder.

"It is not only exciting to save money by refilling cartridges instead of buying new ones, but also to know we are keeping cartridges out of local landfills and doing the community a favor," said Martin Brossman, a longtime customer.

When faced with disturbing statistics regarding the waste involved with the ink cartridge business, the Holders know that they play a crucial role in the recycling circle.

"There are literally millions of cartridges thrown in the trash each year - it is such a waste," said Bonnie. "I find it hard to believe that in this day and age some people still don't know that they can recycle their cartridges."

As the Holders try to refill as many cartridges as possible, their efforts edge beyond their business and into the community.

The business owners have held major recycling campaigns at Durant Road Elementary and are also involved with recycling efforts at Jeffrey's Grove Elementary.

Recently, students at Durant Road Elementary were encouraged to bring empty cartridges to school and a pizza party was held for the class that recycled the most.

The Holders manage the stores as well.

"The owners are always there to answer questions, it shows a real dedication to their business and the environmental cause it represents," said Brossman, another customer.

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