Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Your Real Estate Technology
By NikNik · October 15, 2007
I’m often asked about new real estate technology, but I’m rarely (if ever) asked what to do with the old technology left behind. And if you are technological enthusiast as I am, then you may be upgrading your computer and other electronic devices as often as the seasons change. So, what do you do with your old technology? My kids love adopting my old Blackberries, MP3 players and computers. But eventually even they outgrow these devices…and I’m left with quite a pile of “e-waste”.
What is e-waste?
E-waste is electronic waste that includes computers, mobile phones, entertainment electronics like TVs and VCRs, fax machines, copiers, and any other tech items that have been discarded by their original users.
How does e-waste affect our environment?
The United States generates more e-waste than any other nation, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Electronic waste represents 2 percent of America’s trash in landfills, but it equals 70 percent of overall toxic waste. E-waste is of concern largely due to the toxicity and carcinogenicity of some of the substances if processed improperly. Toxic substances in electronic waste may include lead, mercury, and cadmium. Carcinogenic substances in electronic waste may include polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). These toxic chemicals can leach into the land over time impacting nearby communities and the environment. Incineration of e-waste releases heavy metals such as lead, cadmium and mercury into the air and ashes. Mercury released into the atmosphere can bioaccumulate in the food chain, particularly in fish - the major route of exposure for the general public. And sadly, the exportation of e-waste to poor countries is devastating to say the least. To learn more about e-waste exportation visit Greenpeace and watch this video.
So how can real estate professionals help?
- Reduce, Reuse, & Recycle
Many of these electronic products can be reused, refurbished, or recycled. You can reduce your generation of e-waste through smart procurement and good maintenance. Reuse still functioning electronics by donating or selling them to others that can use them. And recycle electronic items that cannot be repaired. You would be surprised how many local organizations will actually take your electronics for FREE if you just open your phonebook or do a little digging! In California, you can find a local organization that reuses or recycles electronics by searching the Electronic Product Management Directory (EPMD). - Support Green Technology
Some large companies like Fujitsu have developed technologies to eliminate toxic chemicals by developing lead-free products. Additionally, Sony and Waste Management have partnered recently to launch the “Sony Take Back Recycling Program” to help customers safely recycle all Sony electronics, and even non-Sony products for a market-rate fee. Visit the Sony Electronics Blog to learn more. - Support E-Waste Legislation
The United States Congress is considering a number of electronic waste bills including the National Computer Recycling Act introduced by Congressman Mike Thompson (D-CA). However, this bill has continually stalled. In the meantime, several states have passed their own laws regarding electronic waste management. California was the first state to enact such legislation, followed by Maryland, Maine, Washington and Minnesota. More recently, legislatures in Oregon and Texas passed their own laws. - Blog About It
If you have a blog you have a great opportunity to inform others. This post was inspired by Blog Action Day! But you don’t have to wait until Earth Day to write about environmental issues facing your community and real ways you can help and improve your local sustainability.
Online Resources:
Agency for Toxic Substances & Disease Registry
eWaste.com: Regional Computer Recycling & Recovery
Greener Computing
Make Me Sustainable
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Tags: bloggers, Directory, real estate technology, YouTube, MyTechOpinion, real estate
You’re right, NikNik. Consumer electronic waste is a significantproblem, especially with how quickly new technology becomes obsolete. I know college students and recent college grads are always prime candidates for hand-me-downs, especially since their budgets generally don’t allow for extravagant spending unless mom and dad are feeding their wallets. And many college students are very active in helping save and protect the environment, so everyone wins.
Incidentally, I’m pretty sure old VCRs, cassette tape players and CD-ROMs were all recycled to help make the models in this year’s Transformers movie.
Thanks for the suggestion Brian! And you don’t have to be a starving college student to appreciate “e” hand-me-downs….wives of tech gurus will gladly accept the leftovers.
On a sidenote: Back when I was teaching frist and second grade, I created a “Take Apart” station in my classroom equipped the goggles and tools. The kids loved taking apart key boards and other items. And eventually we’d make our way to “Recycle Town” for a field trip every year.
Great blog!
If the economics don’t work, recycling efforts won’t either.
Http://LivePaths.com blogs about innovative entrepreneurs that make money selling recycled items, provide green services or help us reduce our dependency on non renewable resources. These includes some very cool Green online ventures, great new technologies, startups and investments opportunities.
Thanks for your blog about recycling e- waste.
As a Minneapolis real estate agent, I am interested in “green” issues that affect our industry.
I have written a post about a “green” home building material that is as eco-friendly as you can get. It is also about as low-tech as you can get. It seems far-fetched to us, but is very common in most parts of the world.
Would you mind sharing it with your readers? I am curious to see if this is something that could ever become a reality in our industry.
http://realestatetwincities.net/what-is-cob
Thank you
Keep up the good work.
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