Businesses Doing the Right Thing

Here's an article on greener electronics we just updated  including tips for Canadians on e-waste disposal

The world of high tech has traditionally been more obsessed with gadgetry and lightning-speed progress than such everyday concerns as the environment and social welfare. However, new sensitivities have lately begun growing a larger space in geek culture and several social and environmental initiatives are worth keeping track of.

Sections of this article's content have been developped in partnership with les Éditions Protégez-Vous and have appeared in a consumer guide published by ethiquette and Protégez-Vous in 2008.

Electronic Products

Canadians currently throw out approximately 152 000 tonnes of electronic garbage every year! This waste is especially difficult to manage as it contains toxic elements dangerous for humans and the environment. Fortunately, a few take back programs have surfaced in the last couple of years with multiple drop off points. While we wait for the government to issue a more comprehensive take-back program that puts the responsibility for this waste back into the hands of producers, lets do our part by recycling our electronic waste responsibly instead of throwing it into the garbage or the recycling bin.

 Here is some information on widespread
Canadian take-back programs:

Recycled Computers

A way to counter electronic waste is to buy reconditioned computers made from used parts. These items typically come with a warranty to protect consumers against any hardware problems.

In Montreal, for example, Insertech Angus, produces 6000 computers per year, including new and refurbished equipment. These computers are distributed to schools and non profit organizations at a very low cost, or are sold to private companies and individuals. They offer repair services for computers, monitors and laser printers too.

Cell Phones and New Computers

The growing pressure facing electronics companies who don't take responsibility for their waste products has already borne fruit. In certain sectors, industry giants are instituting policies which eliminate toxic materials from their products and take on the task of recycling their obsolete products.

According to Greenpeace, the leading brands in terms of their respect for the environment are the following in 2009. (This list factors in elimination of toxic substances and take-back of obsolete products).

See the list on Greenpeace's site

Rechargeable Batteries

For standard consumer use, the rechargeable Nickel-metal-hydride (NiMH) batteries  are your best environmental choice. They are free of toxic heavy metals and, if you treat  your rechargeable batteries right, you won't need to worry about diminished recharge capacity for about 400-500 recharges.

The best chargers have a microchip that monitors the charging activity, manages for
"optimum trickle," and terminates the current flow at the optimum point. If your charger is not equipped to do this, remove the batteries as soon as they're charged.

Remember to recycled rechargeable batteries too. The nonprofit organization Rechargeable Battery Recycling Corporation is on many battery labels. Find the collection site closest to you by clicking here: www.rbrc.org

Web, Internet and Telecom services

You can support social development through your choice of service provider.

Mardigrafe, for example, is worth looking at for their stunning portfolios and great sustainable policies.

For your telephone, cell and Internet service needs, Charitel is a good pick as it provides reliable services while giving up to 5% of its revenue before taxes back to charities of your choosing.

Free and Open Source Software

Free software helps less fortunate groups and people access technological tools. By choosing to use free software, you support a growing trend towards the more equal sharing of knowledge and power across the world.

To get started, give Open Office a try. This application is the free software answer to Microsoft Office. Click here to find out more.