Special thanks to Dare for letting me hijack her blog to share some of my recent findings with everyone out there in the blog-o-sphere! My name is Kellye Smith and aside from being a wife and a mother to two awesomely fabulous kiddos (Hayden and Sebastian). I’m also working to save my small corner of the planet all the way down in Jackson, Mississippi. Working as a Program Manager for the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, I am continually seeking ways to enhance the quality of life and place in the growing metro area of central Mississippi paying particular attention to all things green for both residents and businesses.
Browsing through the sales inserts of my local newspaper, I really couldn’t believe my eyes with the prices available for a bevy of electronics! Laptops for $199, Netbooks for $299, Desktop PCs, portable hard drives, memory sticks, and others at prices that just a handful of years ago seemed impossible. With the variety of awesome prices available coupled with the necessary upgrades needed for existing electronics, I’d be willing to bet that more than 75% of those reading this article are currently in the market for some new type of electronic device.
But what do you have planned for the stuff that will go out with the old?
The Environmental Protection Agency states that unwanted electronics totaled 2.25 million TONS in 2007 and estimates that as much of ¾ of the computers sold in the US end up stockpiled in a closet or a garage somewhere and then end up in a landfill, incinerator, or are exported to Asia! What’s worse is that when these electronics break down in a landfill, really dangerous toxic chemicals leach into the land and over time with rainwater runoff and atmospheric release, it impacts nearby communities and the environment in a major way! In a few places, particularly in Europe, regulations are already in place to prevent this from happening, giving people better alternatives for reuse and recycling of old and unwanted electronics. And while there are no federal laws in place in the US, there are currently 19 states and one municipality (New York City) that have laws regarding e-waste recycling.
The E Waste problem is coming to the forefront in green issues, but there is so much more to be done!
What can you do?
1.For starters, how about supporting companies that make clean products! Check out this handy dandy Guide to Green Electronics.
2.Think twice before you buy as to whether you really need it.
3.Check with the manufacturer to find out if they’ll take it back once you’re done with it.
4.Find out if your area has local legislation in place regarding responsible disposal of electronics or better yet, if there are facilities in your area that will recycle them for you!
Speaking of recycling, did you know that 1 recycled computer and CRT Monitor reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 404 POUNDS which is the energy equivalent of 27 GALLONS of gasoline! Additionally, recycling one television reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 81 pounds and is the energy equivalent of 8 gallons of gasoline! That’s enough gas to fill the tank of my Honda Accord!
So, while it tis the season to shop and upgrade, do keep in mind what you’ll do with the old stuff and join in the countless efforts out there working to eliminate E Waste as an issue!
Merry Christmas and happy shopping!
1 comments:
Great info! Thanks for sharing. I can't believe how much e-waste is produced yearly!
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