Following is a letter written to Microsoft Corporation regarding recycling of e-products. The purpose of writing the letter and sharing it on this blog is two-fold. My objectives are to raise awareness among individuals about the issues of e-waste and mobilize corporations to adopt business practices that protect our environment. To Microsoft’s credit, they currently support a program called MAR (Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher), in partnership with TechSoup, that offers software to eligible computer refurbishers. Also, due to environmental concerns, they have phased out PVC in their packaging.
Think before you purchase. Do you need the item you’re considering purchasing or can you make do without it? How will you dispose of the product after use? Does the company you’re purchasing from offer a recycling program? There are 2 companies that come to mind that offer these services: Flor tiles can be sent back to the company for recycling and Patagonia will recycle your old Capilene layers (somewhere I read underwear too – who knew?).
This subject came to my attention recently when I was looking to unload a plotter. The manufacturer had gone out of business and the plotter was no longer compatible with my software and needs. The plotter weighed close to 100 pounds and was 48″ long and about as tall on the stand. I was unable to find a local company that would take the plotter. Through my research I contacted the local county recycling coordinator that informed me of HazMat Day that occurs once a year. Unable to store my plotter any longer, I opted to donate it to Goodwill, though they would not have accepted it, had it not been in working condition.
This is a problem, considering I’m just one person willing to make an effort. What about all the people that dispose of e-waste improperly, not because they choose to, but because their options are limited? I’ve opted not to replace the plotter at this time, until I can find one that comes from a company that will take them back to be recycled. In the meantime, I e-mail my architectural drawings to the local blueprint shop for printing. In the process, I’m able to support a local business and lessen any contribution to e-waste.
BAN is an organization dedicated to preventing the globalization of the toxic chemical crisis.
[...] I recently wrote a letter to Microsoft Corporation regarding the recycling of a non-functioning mouse and keyboard. I won’t repeat myself, though if you’re interested you can read about it here. It was written in a moment of frustration, though after some reflection, I’m less certain about the proper placement of that frustration. I was immediately frustrated because I thought I was doing the right thing by replacing a tiny little transceiver only to have my effortsthwarted by the company’s planned obsolescence. I was further frustrated by the thought that I had succumbed to the advertising pressures to be that this was an item I needed, though that purchase was made previous to me deciding to become more proactive in the practice of sustainability. [...]