Empower Up
Encyclopedia
Empower Up, formerly known as CREAM (Computer Reuse Education And Marketing), a 501(c)(3), is a computer recycling center
in SW Washington. Started in mid-2002, Empower Up takes old electronics in for donation, and recycles/distributes them.
and Clark County
in June 2001. The success of this collection prompted the city to start another collection in January 2002, to collect only reusable computers and monitors for the community. Due to the success of the second event, comments by sponsors, and the general public showed an interest in these collections.
In mid-2002, after both an event for re-usage and recycling of computers, departments of the City of Vancouver created the program Computer REuse and Marketing, or CREAM. This new organization would have a permanent location, permanent collection sites, and mobile collection units to travel around the area. CREAM would also make sure of the proper disposal of materials in electronics not suitable for redistribution. By 2008, CREAM had distributed 250 refurbish computers to needy families (with the help of Salvation Army Family Services
), and recycled 3.5 million pounds of electronic waste.
Near the beginning of 2009, due to new laws in Washington, it was recommended that the organization become an independent non-profit organization
. With the help of Habitat for Humanity
, and Clark County ReStore, the state created a 3-year plan to make CREAM an independent nonprofit. In February 2009, they established a permanent building in Vancouver, where they still remain today.
In April 2010, CREAM's name was changed to Empower Up, with the motto "Technology Reuse In Action", and changed to their current logo.
local news, The Vancouver Voice
, and The Columbian
.
Computer recycling
Computer recycling or electronic recycling is the recycling or reuse of computers or other electronics. It includes both finding another use for materials , and having systems dismantled in a manner that allows for the safe extraction of the constituent materials for reuse in other...
in SW Washington. Started in mid-2002, Empower Up takes old electronics in for donation, and recycles/distributes them.
History
Empower Up's history can be traced back to a collection event started by the City of VancouverVancouver, Washington
Vancouver is a city on the north bank of the Columbia River in the U.S. state of Washington. Incorporated in 1857, it is the fourth largest city in the state with a 2010 census population of 161,791 as of April 1, 2010...
and Clark County
Clark County, Washington
Clark County is a county located in the southwestern part of the U.S. state of Washington, across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon.Clark County was the first county of Washington, named after William Clark of the Lewis and Clark Expedition...
in June 2001. The success of this collection prompted the city to start another collection in January 2002, to collect only reusable computers and monitors for the community. Due to the success of the second event, comments by sponsors, and the general public showed an interest in these collections.
In mid-2002, after both an event for re-usage and recycling of computers, departments of the City of Vancouver created the program Computer REuse and Marketing, or CREAM. This new organization would have a permanent location, permanent collection sites, and mobile collection units to travel around the area. CREAM would also make sure of the proper disposal of materials in electronics not suitable for redistribution. By 2008, CREAM had distributed 250 refurbish computers to needy families (with the help of Salvation Army Family Services
Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Protestant Christian church known for its thrift stores and charity work. It is an international movement that currently works in over a hundred countries....
), and recycled 3.5 million pounds of electronic waste.
Near the beginning of 2009, due to new laws in Washington, it was recommended that the organization become an independent non-profit organization
Non-profit organization
Nonprofit organization is neither a legal nor technical definition but generally refers to an organization that uses surplus revenues to achieve its goals, rather than distributing them as profit or dividends...
. With the help of Habitat for Humanity
Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat For Humanity International , generally referred to as Habitat for Humanity or simply Habitat, is an international, non-governmental, non-profit organization devoted to building "simple, decent, and affordable" housing, a self-described "Christian housing ministry." The international...
, and Clark County ReStore, the state created a 3-year plan to make CREAM an independent nonprofit. In February 2009, they established a permanent building in Vancouver, where they still remain today.
In April 2010, CREAM's name was changed to Empower Up, with the motto "Technology Reuse In Action", and changed to their current logo.
Media
Empower Up has recently received attention from many local and state news sources. They have been featured in places such as KATUKATU
KATU, virtual channel 2, also known as K2, is an ABC-affiliated television station broadcasting on digital channel 43 in Portland, Oregon, USA. It has been owned by Fisher Communications of Seattle, Washington, which has been the owner of the Seattle's ABC affiliate KOMO-TV, ever since it began...
local news, The Vancouver Voice
The Vancouver Voice
The Vancouver Voice was an alternative newspaper serving Clark County and Southwest Washington in the United States, with a focus on the area's largest city, Vancouver. It ceased publication with volume 5, issue 13 of August 19, 2011.-History:...
, and The Columbian
The Columbian
The Columbian is a daily newspaper for Vancouver, Washington and Clark County in Washington State in the United States. The paper was published for its first decade as a four page daily that was meant as a counterweight to the local Republican newspaper The Independent. Printer Tom Carolan began...
.