The OneMinute Geek

The Problem:

The manufacture of computers, and their disposal, consumes vast amounts of energy and resources. According to a recent United Nations' study, the manufacture of a computer is 1.5 times more resource intensive than the manufacture of a refrigerator yet the fridge is expected to last 15 years versus the 3-year average lifespan of a PC. Disposing computers has broad environmental impact. Consider that:

- Over 300 million computers are expected to hit the trash heaps this year.

This, along with more than 130 million cell phones, adds up to nearly 10 million tons of waste hitting America's landfills.

- Lead, cadmium, mercury and flame-retardants are just a few of the hazardous materials found in PCs. These toxins eventually leak from thrown-away computers into our groundwater and air. Health risks from these substances range from cancer to birth defects.

The Solution:

In the future, development of a modular, more eco-friendly computer design using standardized recycled parts that allow for “swap and play” replacement of defective or outdated components may help reduce computer waste.

In the meantime, you might consider recycling your computers by donating them to organizations that accept used computers and peripherals to be placed in schools or non-profits.

While newer working equipment is preferred, older or non-working pieces may also be accepted. Below are some companies that welcome computer donations. Contact each organization for details.

Hawaii Computers for Kids program (works with the Hawaii Computers for Schools program): Ken Goldstein, email: csk@catii.com, phone: 521-2259

The National Cristina Foundation ( www.cristina.org) serves as a clearinghouse for donations nationwide. Visit the organization’s website, www.cristina.org for information. Email: ncf@cristina.org, phone: (203) 863-9100

Before donating your computer, remember to remove any personal and confidential information that may reside on the hard drive(s). Deleting that data and/or reformatting it is not enough. You will need to use a utility like Mutilate File Wiper 2.90, which can be downloaded free from a number of sites.

James Kerr is President/CEO of SuperGeeks, a Hawaii-based computer service and repair company (www.supergeeks.net). He can be reached at help@supergeeks.net and 942-0773.