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July 19th 2007
Why are electronic companies going
GREEN?
The
electronics industry is being swept by new green initiatives. Many
major companies including Motorola, Apple, Dell, and Panasonic are
mapping out their new plans for recycling programs. These new ideas
are backed by the consumers’ increase in concern over environmental
issues.
Why is
there an increasing interest in the effect of end-of-life
electronics on the environment? An everyday laptop contains a large
amount of a heavy metal called mercury. Human exposure to mercury
can cause severe damage to the nervous system. Your personal desktop
computer does not contain much safer material. In actuality, PCs
commonly contains lead, brominated flame retardants, polyvinyl
chloride and other harmful chemicals.
Not only
do these electronics contain harmful elements but they also contain
very sensitive data. In the age where identity theft is a serious
threat, keeping your personal information secure is a number one
concern.
One
solution for these recycling concerns is the creation of
standardized programs. Electronics makers are trying to go “green”
and change their strategies to fit the needs of their consumers.
Companies, like Dell, are building more environmentally friendly
computers. Panasonic has made plasma TVs safer to dispose by taking
the lead out. Other companies are starting by experimenting with new
alternatives to make more energy-efficient,
environmentally-concerned choices.
It is an
eye opening fact to learn that lead from disposed electronics can
leak into groundwater. People who consume this groundwater can
suffer from health problems, such as nerve damage. A need for a good
recycling system is needed. Countries have different recycling laws.
In the United States, laws vary. The result is an inefficient
solution for recycling. Companies that have started to make a
commitment to go greener are paving the way for better results.
To read the
article “Electronics makers break out ‘green’ initiatives,
click here.
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