Embracing new technologies brings up a huge question: What do you do with the old stuff?
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Americans generated about 3 million tons of electronic waste in 2007. Out of all that waste, only 13.6 percent of it was recycled — the rest wound up in landfills or was shipped to developing nations. The country’s growing mounds of e-waste are cause for concern both from a health and environmental perspective, so it’s important for consumers to properly dispose of unwanted electronics.
Electronics contain a variety of toxic components like lead, mercury, arsenic, beryllium and brominated flame retardants, some of which cause cancer and other adverse health effects
Because electronics contain so many toxins, it’s important not to throw them away with the regular trash.
Bringing discarded electronics to recycling or take-back centers is a noble action, but it’s important for consumers to only choose reliable programs.
Annie Leonard released a new video called The Story of Electronics, in which she explains why "design for the dump"is toxic for people and the planet.
http://inhabitat.com/2010/04/27/electronics-recycling-101-the-problem-with-e-waste/
http://storyofstuff.org/electronics/
http://www.storyofstuff.com/
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