Comprenew

About Us

One cell phone, if thrown away, can pollute 40,000 gallons of ground water.

Manufacturing one desktop computer requires fossil fuels and chemicals that weigh nine times that of the computer itself (EPA).

The Problem

In our fast-paced consumer cycle, product innovation is creating unprecedented toxic waste. The consumer appetite for new technologies greatly diminishes lifetime value of electronics.  Computers, PDAs, cell phones and other consumer electronics have become disposable items.

Disposal of electronics becomes either toxic refuse or recycled goods.

The Environmental Impact of Disposal

The improper and illegal disposal of "obsolete" technology represents a severe threat to our environment.  Electronics contain toxins such as lead, mercury, and cadmium, and more. All of these can leak into ground water, causing illness and death.

Developing countries also pay the price.  Ironically, while not participants in the North American consumer cycle, they are the greatest recipients of our exported e-waste. Unfortunately, most consumers and responsible parties, such as politicians, governments and businesses, are either unaware or unconcerned.

Our Solution

Last year, Comprenew Environmental kept approximately 1.5 million pounds of electronics out of landfills.  What will you do?

The mission of Comprenew Environmental is to inspire the local community to live and work in a sustainable manner.  This mission is accomplished through the mentoring of community partners and inner-city youth who, along with committed staff and volunteers, provide the community with electronics recycling services that represent the best possible practice.

At Comprenew Environmental, we teach our students how corporate environmental stewardship is good for business through the process of e-waste recycling.  To date, Comprenew is the only organization in West Michigan that is incorporating this philosophy in a business apprenticeship environment to inner-city youth.   

The Big Picture

Comprenew Environmental is owned by Worldwide Christian Schools (WWCS), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.  The WWCS vision is to ensure that all people have access to Christ-centered education.

WWCS works with indigenous-run schools with students from all ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds. Since its inception in 1986, WWCS has worked with over 175 partner organizations to develop schools in 44 countries, including the United States. The Comprenew Academy is the second U.S. school developed by WWCS.

Schools are vital, and are often responsible for shaping a student's perspective and self-image. Schools can also establish lasting environmental stewardship principles within a community.

To learn more about the work of Worldwide Christian Schools, visit www.wwcs.org. 

In the News

• Comprenew Environmental on mibiz.com
• Comprenew Environmental wins green-building competition (Story 1, Story 2)
• Ann Arbor News: Comprenew Environmental and Green Computers

On YouTube

• Grand Rapids Leads in LEED: Comprenew Environmental on YouTube

DID YOU KNOW?