BAN's Mission: "BAN works to prevent the globalization of the toxic chemical crisis. We work in opposition to toxic trade in toxic wastes, toxic products and toxic technologies, that are exported from rich to poorer countries. Alternatively, we work to ensure national self-sufficiency in waste management through clean production and toxics use reductions and in support of the principle of global environmental justice -- where no peoples or environments are dispro-portionately poisoned and polluted due to the dictates of unbridled market forces and trade."
This week Barack Obama announced Organizing for America (OFA), the new group that will work alongside the President to support the agenda we fought so hard for.This week Barack Obama announced Organizing for America (OFA), the new group that will work alongside the President to support the agenda we fought so hard for.
America's TV stations will make a historic switch next month
from analog to digital signals. But what promises to bring a sharper picture is
also raising the curtain on a big environmental unknown across California: What
will happen to the millions of old TV sets that no longer work?
It's illegal to simply toss the estimated 2 million old TVs - chock-full of
hazardous waste - into the garbage.
"We're preparing for a tidal wave. We've already seen more televisions being
donated and we expect to see more as the switch-over comes," said James David, a
spokesman for Goodwill Industries of San Francisco, San Mateo and Marin
Counties.
On Feb. 17, older analog televisions that receive signals "over the air" from
a rooftop antenna or with "rabbit ears" will stop working.
The government's billion-dollar program to help people prepare for the transition to digital television has run out of money, potentially leaving millions of viewers without coupons to buy converter boxes they need to keep their analog TV sets working after the switch.The government's billion-dollar program to help people prepare for the transition to digital television has run out of money, potentially leaving millions of viewers without coupons to buy converter boxes they need to keep their analog TV sets working after the switch.
Goodwill Industries International is the world's largest nonprofit providers of education, training, and career services for people with disadvantages, such as welfare dependency, homelessness, and lack of education or work experience, as well as those with physical, mental and emotional disabilities.">
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Wisconsin- Department of Natural Resources has a list of suggestions for people wanting to host an e-cycling event. They asked people who have already been through these types of events what they felt worked and what didn't work.
This study, the first to investigate workplace contamination in areas
in Ghana where e-waste recycling and disposal is carried out, focussed on the main centre for this type of work, at the Agbogbloshie scrap market in Ghana's capital, Accra. One of the numerous similar, though far smaller, operations that take place throughout Ghana was also investigated, at the location of a scrap dealer in Korforidua, a smaller city to the north of Accra. At these
workshops, e-waste is recycled in a crude way, primarily involving manual disassembly and open burning to isolate copper from plastics. Much of the work is carried out by children, commonly using only rudimentary tools and with no protective equipment.
Finding a trustworthy and expert resource for handling your IT and electronics work is always a pain. There are certain issues to be dealt with, like quality, time and most importantly security. At Veracity World all your security-related concerns are well addressed. Their team of expert technicians makes sure that the electronic repairing work is carried out with the best approach and on time delivery.
We've said it before, and we'll surely say it again, but even though green IT
is here to stay, it's still got a long way to go.
One of the trends I noted in my
2008
roundup of green IT stories
-- and one of the most promising trends out
there, is that companies are increasingly harnessing the power of IT to solve
bigger environmental issues. From IBM's goal of mapping water systems to
maximize efficiency to the E.U.'s plan to put IT to work in buildings to trim
energy use, it's clear that the sphere in which IT can operate is expanding, and
much to the good.
With little scrutiny or controversy, Lisa Jackson was confirmed by the Senate late last night to head the Environmental Protection Agency after a confirmation hearing where criticisms of Jackson's tenure as head of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection were given short shrift.
In her first move as EPA chief, Jackson pledged to make science "the backbone for EPA programs [1]." In a memo sent to EPA employees today, Jackson said that reducing greenhouse gas emissions, managing chemical risks, cleaning up hazardous waste and protecting America's water would receive her personal attention.
Let's talk about electronic waste, better known as
e-waste.
STORY TOOLS
Years ago, if a toy or appliance broke, your mom or dad would
try to fix it, often with mixed results. But few people understand how
e-products work, much less how to fix them.
When televisions and computers first came out, old ones were
often passed down to relatives, charities or to schools. But now, lower prices
and rapid development in technology are sending more and more televisions and
computers to the e-waste trash heap.
Just how many?
In 1970, the average household in Washington averaged one
television set per household, and personal computers were unheard of.
The Department of Ecology estimates that by the end of 2008
there will be one television for every person in the state and even more
computers than people.
How does a company sell more cell phones in a cutthroat, competitive market?
Launch new so-called "green" models. This morning Korean consumer electronics
giant Samsung said at the World IT Show in Seoul that it will start selling two
eco-friendly handsets this month. The first is the W510 (pictured on the left)
which is made out of a corn-based bioplastic and doesn't contain any heavy
metals, like lead, mercury and cadmium.
This is Samsung's first bioplastic phone, but Samsung is not the first
big-name consumer electronics maker to work with the alt-material -
in January
Fujitsu touted a laptop
with a bioplastic case at CES. And Nokia has the
3310
Evolve
, which is
made partly out
of biomaterials
.
BRISTOL, Va. - There's a flip side to that newfangled cell phone found under
the Christmas tree. Sooner or later, the outdated cell phones clogging the
kitchen drawer have to go.
However, when they do go, don't forget that those electronic beeps and
whistles are powered by mercury, cadmium, lead and other toxic metals destined
to seep into, and out of, a landfill. And toxic metals, such as mercury, can
cause brain and kidney damage, as well as cancer, when released into the ground
and air, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality reports.
So, instead of dumping outdated gadgets and gizmos into the trash can,
environmental and industry leaders recommend recycling, which, in the case of
electronics, is known as e-cycling.
For nearly six years, Bristol Virginia Public Works has picked up laptops,
monitors and even fluorescent light tubes left in marked boxes by the curb. As
part of a statewide e-cycling effort, the technology is carted off during
regular pickups.
Public policy association for consumer electronics retailers. Outlines retailer positions on digital television issues,
CERC realizes that consumer electronic recycling is on the forefront of the environmental communities' mind. How our nation addresses environmental issues in all walks of life over the next decade is a top global priority. As it particularly impacts our industry, CE retailers realize that they have an important role in working with other stakeholders and being active participants in developing and advocating for a successful national consumer electronics management system that we realize will have to be implemented at the local level.
Which Electronics Companies Will Take Back Your Old Computer, TV, or Other Electronics?
Before you buy that new computer or TV, think about what you plan to do with your old one. If it still works and you think someone else can use it, then you might want to donate it to a reputable reuse organization. (Make sure the organization is accepting donations for local reuse - and not sending them overseas.) But if that's not an option for you, some of the electronics manufacturers offer recycling programs that you can use, often for free. Some will give you some trade-in credit towards new purchases. This report tells you who offers what services, how to use them, and how to get free recycling.
The program is operated by the Washington Materials Management and Financing Authority, a quasi-governmental agency created by the legislation to work with the 200 or so manufacturers that sell computers and televisions in Washington state.
In addition, the state Department of Ecology has certified four electronic waste processing firms - two in this state, one in Oregon and one in California - to disassemble the electronic equipment into separate materials for reuse or safe disposal, including glass, plastic, metal and toxic chemicals.
The program is designed in part to stem the flow of electronic waste to Third World countries, where it is often dismantled crudely, threatening the environment, public health and the health of workers.
Starting New Year's Day, Oregonians will be able to recycle, free of charge,
the old computers and television sets filling their closets and garages.
The Department of Environmental Quality has worked with manufacturers,
collectors and recyclers to establish more than 230 drop-off stations throughout
the state, giving life to a bill passed during the 2007 Legislature.
Oregon is one of more than a dozen states that have made plans to deal with
discarded electronics, according to the department.
As it is now, customers typically have to foot the cost of recycling
televisions, computers and computer monitors. That's if the customer knows such
an option exists. The Department of Environmental Quality estimates only 18
percent of Oregon's electronic waste makes it to recycling centers. The rest
ends up in garages and landfills.
Chances are you'll be replacing some tried-and-true piece of personal electronics with a newer, faster, better model. Whether it's replacing an MP3 player with a new one, or replacing an old computer or laptop, what do you do
with the old stuff? Hopefully you don't just throw it away, especially if it still works!
FreeGeek
in Portland, OR, founded in
February 2000 and now
duplicated around the country
,
accepts donations of old computers. Donated systems are cleaned up, loaded with
GNU/Linux, and given for free to folks who volunteer there.
Environmental protection is a priority for the conservation of precious natural resources and the continued health of our planet. Apple recognizes its responsibility as a global citizen and is continually striving to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do and the products we create.
Apple's Carbon FootprintEnvironmental protection is a priority for the conservation of precious natural resources and the continued health of our planet. Apple recognizes its responsibility as a global citizen and is continually striving to reduce the environmental impact of the work we do and the products we create.
The International Electronics Recycling Conference & Expo is the premier net working event and tradeshow for the fast growing and important electronics recycling industry.