Recycling Technology – what to do with the stuff that is obsolete?

April 15, 2009

With Earth Day around the corner, I wanted to share this interesting article with you. It is on the National Geographic – Green Guide website.  Can you believe that there is over 22 million tons of electronic waste each year!!???!!!  With all the toxins in the electronics, there’s no telling the true amount of damage and the possible effects to people and the environment.  In todays world, we all need Technology to “survive”, but the article brings important ideas to light as well as a few ways you can help out.  

There are also a few good links listed to help :

-Buy computers rated by the EPA’s Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool (EPEAT), which rates models according to 51 environmental criteria, including takeback programs and the use of a minimum of 65 percent reusable or recyclable components. See www.epeat.net.

-Donate your old computer if it still works. The National Cristina Foundation (www.cristina.org) and Computers for Schools (www.pcsforschools.org) accept computers.

-Take non-working computers to nonprofits that can use them for job training, such as Per Scholas (www.perscholas.org).

-As a last resort, recycle your obsolete electronics at a responsible recycler approved by the Computer Takeback Campaign. See www.electronicstakeback.com.

Entry Filed under: All Entries, Be Green, Bright Ideas, Nature. Tags: earth day, recycling technology.