Herein lies an extremely important differentiation. Capstone Wireless is an e-Steward, as certified by the Basel Action Network.

But what exactly does that mean to us?

e-Steward certification is an all-out guarantee that no e-waste processed by Capstone will ever end up in a landfill or be exported out of the country for profit. So, that cell phone (and all its chargers, batteries and related equipment that can't be re-used) will be disposed of properly.

In the case of Capstone, the term "properly" encompasses environmental specifications as well wiping sensitive data from the devices, in the interest of maintaining security.

With an extensive background in the wireless industry, Urano realized he could build on the global relationships he has spent years building to help create and move forward with Capstone's new calling.

"There are many things the wireless industry can do differently," says Urano. "The United States is the #1 exporter of e-waste in the world, so there's lots of room for improvement in how our industry addresses the toxic waste generated by mobile devices."

"In addition to obtaining our own e-Steward certification, we partner exclusively with other e-Stewards for all our smelting needs," adds Whitaker.

Earning the BASEL Network e-Steward certification is nearly a year-long process, and Capstone can count on annual third-party auditing to maintain their status.

"This is a lot more than some of the typical 'green washing' the public has come to expect," says Whitaker. "BASEL Action Network has the procedures, the practices and the depth to its program that makes the difference."

"It is extremely unique in the wireless industry to be a certified e-Steward, and we're proud of that distinction," adds Urano.

"It costs Capstone more - increased labor and shipping costs for example - but it's the responsible, right thing to do."

"The purpose here isn't to go broke doing it, of course, but here at Capstone we know you can be smart, green and profitable all at the same time," concludes Whitaker.

So for LH Today readers and the Lake Highlands community-at-large, what can we do differently?

As cellular consumers, we have to own our responsibility as stewards of our personal technology. To do that, Whitaker says it all comes back to education.

"People need to ask point-blank, whether their recyclers are e-Stewards," he says. "A lot of these local recycling efforts and associated recyclers may not be acting maliciously, they're just misinformed."

"But even if they're right-minded, in doesn't mean the end result is green - or legal."

So, Lake Highlands, educate yourselves. Learn to ask the right questions, and sometimes the hard ones, too.

Readers can start by visiting Capstone's website at http://www.capstonewirelessllc.com and clicking on their Videos link on the homepage.

Then familiarize yourselves with the BASEL Action Network (BAN) and their important environmental initiatives at http://www.ban.org and http://www.e-stewards.org.

Recycle with care, Lake Highlands!