For the past few days I have been on the lookout. My son's soccer team needs money for tournaments and things and I was thinking a fundraiser would be an excellent idea. I get tired of the same old fundraisers all the time and my kids aren't even in school. What I want is an eco-friendly, environmentally concious, green fundraiser. If you're looking for something beyond ink cartridges and cell phones, it's not quite an easy task.

A google search will produce numerous companies offering money for ink cartridges and cell phones. Some offer more money than others, some offer free shipping. FreeRecycling offers up to $3.60 for inkjet cartridges and up to $20 or more for cell phones. They want absolutely no damaged items. Kartridges for Kidz accepts both inkjet and laserjet cartridges. They offer either money or points. The points are redeemable for various items a school might need. They provide prepaid shipping via Fedex. Funding Factory collects inkjet, laserjet and cell phones. Free shipping is provided via UPS. Earnings are either in cash or points. Points are redeemable for items from their rewards catalog. I'm very impressed with their catalog! Ecophones collects inkjet cartridges, cell phones, ipods, laptops and more. Free shipping is provided via DHL. They will accept non-working and damaged items, but not at full price.

If ink isn't your thing, you'll need to work a little harder to find the right program. I found a few that looked promising. Greenraising sells eco items like Sigg, reusable bags and lunch totes, cleaning items, etc. Purchases can be made online for a 25% profit or via catalog for a 40% profit. For online purchases, you'll need to make sure your customer designates your organization while shopping.

Let's Go Green is another online store front that your supporters shop through. You get 25% profit. They sell recycled paper products, canvas bags, biodegradeable trash bags, plates and cups, etc. The selection of items is not as large as Greenraising.

Then there's Chicobags. Chicobags get me lots of questions and complements. They claim you keep at least 50% of your profit margin. Who doesn't need another reusable shopping bag, especially one that folds into itself?! Chicobags are affordable and therefore should sell easily.

With a little work and a lot of searching, you can find a good green fundraiser for your organization. Giftwrap, cookies and candybars are not always necessary when it comes to raising money!