Elon University students thrive on technology. Life without a computer would be a bleak, miserable existence. However, what happens after your computer breathes its last high-strung breath, or you get a smaller, fast, sleeker model? The issue with discarding computers and many other electronics are the toxic chemicals inside that make them work. When computers are discarded improperly it is possible for toxic materials like chemicals, carcinogens, and heavy metals to leak and contaminate land and other important resources. Some countries like China export massive amounts of electronic waste to countries that have cheap labor for a very labor-intensive process. Luckily, public awareness is changing and so are the laws. Since 2000 it has been illegal to import electronic waste into China. Click HERE to see pictures China's electronic Waste Village courtesy of Time Magazine.
Now, how do we make sure that our electronic waste does not end up on the other side of the world being harvested for gold and lead? First things first: Do your research, do not be like the 80% of Americans who just threw out their old electronics in the trash. The trash can may seem harmless and convenient, but according to Time Magazine, one old 15 inch computer monitor may be holding up to 7lbs. of lead. That shouldn’t just be tossed out front for your garbage man to pick up. According to Time Magazine, “every day Americans throw out more than 350,000 cell phones and 130,000 computers, making electronic waste the fastest-growing part of the U.S. garbage stream. Improperly disposed of, the lead, mercury and other toxic materials inside e-waste can leak from landfills.” When you do your research, be sure to ask questions. Each recycling company should know whether or not the hardware is being exported, and if so, where the trash is going. The company should also know what kind of labor is being used, how the hardware is dismantled, and TreeHugger.com recommends that you make sure the organization wipes all of your personal data to protect your identity. Be specific with your questions, make sure that they know the answers, and if they don’t, this is not the place to recycle your electronic hardware.
If your hardware still works then donating, it to a company that will reuse it could be a better option. There are many NGOs and companies, like RetroBox, that can build computers from functioning salvaged parts of old computers. When choosing a company to salvage your hardware, make sure that you are still asking questions. Some companies donate the computers that they rebuild to those who cannot afford them; try to choose those if possible.
Another option is donating to large corporations that will provide some sort of incentive for your donation. Search for deals that you can get, like tax credits or discounts on your purchases.
Lastly, an additional option is to go through your own computer company. However, they usually require the client to pay extraneous fees and shipping.
This may seem like a lot of work to do, but it is worth it if you don't want your water ways to be contaminated like this one:
Read more at: http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1870485,00.html#ixzz0kKzCVzw3
--SS
No comments:
Post a Comment