Until recently, the PC and electronics industry was heavily based on the “throw away” mindset, in a continuous loop of updated models and sleek new gadgets. And as such, according to recent articles, the ICT industry was outpacing the aviation industry in carbon pollution.
The bad is the growing need for power for high capacity servers and data centres, the inefficiency of equipment on permanent standby, the endless waste of old mobile phones and computer components, and the lack of safe ways to recycle source metals from this waste material. But there are good signs of change on the horizon as some major companies are now taking new initiatives – some surprising steps!
New products to optimise data storage and to manage standby are now becoming available, with obvious cost saving benefits for those who take this path. An IBM study showed that power consumption savings of up to 44% could be derived from server consolidation. Cooling efficiency and the green grid are the other buz words to google.
In terms of e-waste in Australia, there is no national approach, but you may find the site http://recyclingnearyou.com.au/computers helpful. Some computer companies are now taking back older models, and leading this in both the US and Australia is Dell computers. According to their Australian web site, Dell will take back any old computer for a small fee of $36 in Metro areas. Their website says to Contact Dell Recycling on 1800 465 890 or email recycling_dell_au@dell.com or for more information.www.dell.com/recycle.
Most of us work with ICT equipment every day and we take all the advantages for granted -well that is – when the stuff works! Being mindful of the long term consequences is not just a surprising step by companies, it's one we can take every day. Just think - the carbon you release is your bad karma, the carbon re-used builds our future.
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3 comments:
Isn't e-waste also a problem not just when dumped in landfill, but when it just sits in someone's cupboard unused? I mean, it's not actually /in/ landfill in that instance, but it's still a waste of a resource if it's a perfectly good computer/server not being used.
Yes, I think this is quite a significant and understated area of e-waste, equipment in store-rooms, under benches and in cupboards, By the time someone hauls it out, most of it will be too old to be useful. If it's not likely to be used in the next 6-12 months, recycle or pass it on. Think of what you could do with the vacant space ...mmm, space for the paper recycling bin.
And more space in the cupboards to put clothes and books... :)
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