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+4 [4 votes]
I read something interesting yesterday that got me thinking about technology and its effect on the environment, again. I saw a post over at Gizmodo about bio-degradable flash drives and how they are a positive step toward reducing e-waste. And while this is certainly a step in the right direction, isn’t it a bit misleading?
I’m talking about language, here. Many people hear the word “bio-degradable” and think that means it refers to objects that will decompose and go back into the earth over time. And while this partially true, it leaves out one important factor: the objects must be heated to very high temperatures in order to break down the materials. And though the materials will break down, it begs the question, is it worth it?
The bio-degradable plastic that’s used in these flash drives is corn-based, sure. But burning it to make it bio-degrade will still cause pollution. Plus, many people still don’t take advantage of the e-waste pick-ups and drop-off centers. With waste like this going into the landfills, it won’t bio-degrade and will, instead, sit in the landfill with all the rest of the trash!
While I think bio-degradable technology is a good idea, it’s not the be all or end all solution. An individual responsibility is still required and if consumers don’t hold up their end of the bargain (depositing e-waste at e-waste facilities, only) it won’t matter if the product is bio-degradable or not.
The problem isn’t with the tech, it’s with the individual’s means of disposing the tech.
What do you think a long-term solution to such e-waste problems would be? And if you think I’m being too hard on the idea of bio-degradable devices, let me know that, too.
I agree with you 100% Brenda!
Green design or “Design for Environment” is an excellent concept and is certainly part of what everyone seems to want - a way to continue our lifestyle of disposal without consequence. The reality, though, is that even devices that are designed in an environmentally preferable manner don’t have the ability to deposit themselves into e-waste recycling receptacles… yet (maybe in a few years).
As the owner/operator of a small e-waste collection center in Ontario, Canada, I think that what people ultimately want in order to be green can be achieved by appealing to one of two desires: either recycling has to be so easy you’d be a fool not to (in other words, curbside pick up of e-waste - like another Blue Box for electronics) or there has to be an incentive to participate so that you’d be giving up a few bucks for not taking part (a deposit at time of purchase & a refund when you take it back for recycling).
All the green design and product positioning in the world won’t make a lick of difference if these things are still tossed into the dump!
When i lived in Austin TX we had a Blue bin for Recyclebles,
I moved 300 miles south to brownsville and sadly there are no blue bins, Heck i dont even think this whole county has a recylcing center that will take anything other than scrap metal.