Personal tools
Computers and the Environment
The acceleration of scientific achievement in the last few decades was enabled by computers. During this time significant changes have begun to occur in our natural environment as a result of technological development, social changes, and the massive production and consumption of computing equipment. The lifetime of a computer - production, use, and disposal - makes it closely tied to the environment. Its production involves trace metals and other substances that pose health hazards in the handling toxics in production and end-of-life processes. Computer use can lead to environmental benefits with the study complex environmental systems, greater ecological education, or enabling "paper-less" offices. Then at the end of a useful lifetime, computers create disposal challenges posed by hazardous materials present and difficulties in recycling.
CPSR's Working Group on Computers and Environment explores these issues and acts to make computers part of the solution for a more just, sustainable world. See the WG page. See resources section. See pages on Computer Recycling and Extending Useful Lifetimes; Environmental impacts from the production, use and disposal of computers; Green Design; Responsible Practices for the IT Sector.
News
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Bay Area Free E-Waste Disposal/Recycling Events for September 2006
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Created on August 25, 2006.
Electronic Waste Management, a Division of Acquisitions Office organizes free e-waste disposal events at local venues in September 2006. The effort is funded by California bills SB20 and SB50.
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Dell Introduces Desktops without Lead
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Created on June 12, 2005.
Dell announces two new desktops that reduce lead used in production.
In depth
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Who is the biggest e-waste polluter?
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Created on December 09, 2004.
The Computer TakeBack Campaign is hosting an online poll. Vote now at the link provided.
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Resources on Computers and the Environment
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Created on October 04, 2004.
Database of documents and links organized by the strategic area of action for the Working Group: hardware recycling, environmental impact, green design, and responsible IT practices.
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Working Group Strategies and Interests
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Created on October 04, 2004.
Target issues for the Work Group as well as the four strategic areas of action: recycling, green design, environmental impact, and responsible IT practices.
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Computers and the Environment Working Group
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Created on October 04, 2004.
The mission of the CPSR Working Group on Computing and the Environment is to promote awareness and action concerning the relationship between computing and our natural environment. The group promotes communication as well as action around this issue. Please join our WG!
Last modified June 01, 2005 01:02 PM