The mining of metals is the #1 cause of toxic pollution in the United States yet gold, silver and platinum are vital. Approximately 1,320,000 pounds of gold are used annually in jewelry, telecommunications, information technology, medical treatments, and various industrial applications. Due to its high electrical conductivity, gold is a vital component of many consumer electronics devices including cell phones and laptop computers. Because it is non-toxic and biologically benign, gold is perfect for many medical applications. Surgeons use gold instruments to clear blocked coronary arteries and gold pellets are injected into the body to help obstruct the spread of prostate cancer in men.

In essence the same is true for othermetals such as silver and platinum. Both metals are essential to our modern lives yet the excavation and processing of both wreaks havoc on the environment. Five months of production and 20,000 pounds of ore areneeded to make a single ounce of platinum yet platinum is vital ineverything from anti-cancer drugs and safety airbags in cars to clean fuel cell technology.

Fortunately, you can make adifference. By recycling items made of these vital metals you can get cash while simultaneously reducing toxic pollution.