E-waste
The assembling of these devices and the use of rare materials that go into their creation represent a huge source of embodied energy. Limiting e-waste helps to conserve resources and reduces the measure of energy we take from the earth.
Reusing the precious metals and plastics in old cell phones alone instead of making or mining more of them would save as much energy as flipping off the power to 24,000 US homes for an entire year. The normal American household has 24 electronic devices and in 2009 the EPA estimated that there is 2.37 million tons worth of electronics ready to be disposed of. This would fill right around five football arenas! Plastic Waste Management In India.
- Re-evaluate. Do you really need that extra gadget? Have a go at discovering one device with multiple capacities.
- Extend the life of your electronics. Purchase a case, keep your device clean, and abstain from overcharging the battery.
- Purchase environmentally friendly electronics. Search for items labeled Energy Star or certified by the Electronic Item Environmental Assessment Instrument (EPEAT).
- Donate used electronics to social projects—and help survivors of domestic violence, children's safety initiatives, environmental causes, and then some. Approach your student REP for postage paid mailer for your cell phone or ink cartridge. For each item received, the World Wildlife Reserve will receive one dollar.
- Reuse large electronics. Post to Harvard's Reuse Rundown
- Recycle electronics and batteries in e-waste recycling canisters located around grounds. Large electronics can go in the larger receptacles found in your structure.
0 Comments