Archive for the ‘recycling’
Thursday, September 24, 2009
Best ways to reuse your e-waste: re-equip your office and IT electronics to reduce your carbon footprint
E-waste is the e-worst!
By guest Michael Timberlake
An average computer contains as much as four pounds of lead and a circuit board has over 16 hazardous heavy metals…these are not the materials you want in a landfill! Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to properly dispose of your old or damaged copiers, computers, modems, ethernet cables and other business/IT equipment. Finding the proper place to recycle or an outlet to donate old monitors, laptops and cell phones can be time consuming and frustrating in the average, hectic business life. All too often it becomes too easy to either keep old electronics in the attic or throw our e-waste out with the rest of the garbage.
However, that inconvenience can turn into a fun and creative avenue in the workplace and at home. Recreate and breathe new life into those dusty old TVs, printers and lamps with these clever ideas and guides. Whether you are more into the geek/technical side or the designer/artist side there are countless ways to make your e-waste into e-treasure.
Its easy to get started! Just simply type what electronic you are trying to e-create into any search engine and you’ll net hundreds of ideas and guides, from simple to complex, to help alleviate all the wires, cables and hardware crowding and tangling up your office or home. Suddenly you may find you own brilliant e-inspiration to reuse those dusty old electronics you thought were digitally extinct (Oh, and dont forget to check out some of the reader comments where many of the best ideas are hidden).
Here are some of the best that I found in my search!
- Laptop Magazine has a section in its website devoted to reusing laptops with video and step by step instructions. Here’s one on how to make an outdated slow laptop into a modern entertainment center, perfect for online video business meetings.
- Ever wonder what to do with all those old cell phones you accumulated over the years? Well, this video tutorial shows you how to turn any cell phone with a camera into a webcam that could be used for anything from security surveillance and live web broadcasts to video Skyping and online business meetings. The more sophisticated the camera the more options are available for recording, but if you’re looking for a simple way to increase security at home or at the office look no further.
Don’t think you have the technical wiz to reuse your old electronic clutter? Use your inner artist to find ways around your home and garden for your e-waste to become e-art!
- A University of Illinois class actually specialized in making creations out of donated old electronics. Some of the most popular ended up being furniture creations and outdoor garden accessories. From CD vases and laptop mirrors to Mac garden pots and keyboard tresses, the possibilities are endless for all your old electronics.
- One of the most popular creative uses for old TVs, computers and monitors is turning them into fish tanks. But remember the tubes, wires and pieces removed still must be recycled properly. Here are a few good step by step guides to make that outdated electronic into a hip new iTank.
Classic TV makes a vintage style fishtank
Some companies, such as MotherBoard Gifts and Fractal Spin specialize in designing and creating practical uses for circuit boards and other used computer equipment. Whether you are a DIYer or would rather simply appreciate some cool artistic hardware, these can give you some interesting inpriations for your own creations. Examples include coasters, picture frames, luggage tags and even earrings and cufflinks. But don’t let it stop you there, these are just a few examples of the endless artistic possibilities available in electronics.
These clever innovators are finding new fascinating ways to reuse their old electronics, whether it be for technical uses or simple decoration. Get out there and find your imaginative awakening and cut down on the building up of e-waste in our environment.
Friday, August 14, 2009
InkCycle featured on GreenandSave.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
How to properly dispose of your e-waste
Ink and toner cartridges, computer monitors, cables, laptop batteries… they all make our lives so much easier when in use. But, when these items have finally seen better days and must be replaced, they could actually make our lives a lot worse.
This is because many of these high-tech gadgets and parts contain lead, mercury and other dangerous chemicals. Often referred to as “e-waste,” old electronics have become the fastest growing municipal waste in the United States. They’re completely safe sitting on your desk. But, when e-waste is dumped in landfills, the potentially deadly chemicals can easily absorb into the soil and groundwater, possibly even contributing to different forms of cancer.
This article does a wonderful job of explaining how to properly dispose of seven common electronic components.
1. Recycle your toner cartridges with an office supply store.
2. Recycle your ink-jet cartridges through a fundraising campaign.
3. Donate your computer monitor to a nearby school or charity.
4. Send your old CPU back to the manufacturer for proper disposal.
5. Find a group that properly disposes of old cables, many which can be reused.
6. Contact “Free Geek” for information on who can still use your old mouse or keyboard.
7. Give your old laptop battery to groups who can reuse the different parts.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Despite Recycling Efforts, E-waste Creating Problems Worldwide
According to Consumer Reports, electronic waste is the fastest growing category of municipal waste in the United States. Americans alone accounts for 3 million tons of e-waste each year. As landfill space fills up quickly, developed countries are looking for ways to get rid of old electronics. According to greenpeace.org, companies in the U.S. have made e-waste a global challenge and as 60 Minutes shows, “much of this poison is coming out of the homes, schools and offices of America.”
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
E-Waste fastest growing U.S. municipal waste; recycling increase required
The Electronics TakeBack Coalition reports that between 20 and 50 million metric tons of e-waste is thrown away each year worldwide. Americans contribute more than 3 million tons yearly. The coalition also points out that only 13 percent of discarded electronic devices are recycled in the United States. Here, earth911.com reports that e-waste is rapidly becoming more of a problem, increasing at a rate three times greater than other municipal waste.
