Greetings!
Life without computers is unthinkable. Some call them a necessary evil. Others are unabashedly addicted. But one thing's certain: computers are powerful tools for learning, working and maneuvering the social landscape.
Love 'em or hate 'em, computers are here to stay. Except every two years for when we trash them for a newer model. And therein lies the biggest tragedy of the computer age: toxic computer waste. So how do we stay on top of the tech curve while keeping our commitment to green the Earth?
Have no fear. This week the formula for planet-friendly e-cycling is up our sleeves. Need accessories to complement your new eco-technology lifestyle? That, too, is in the bag...
Did you know? SustainLane never accepts payment for business and product reviews. Our features are intended to represent the views of the SustainLane community. |
Featured Product: Recycled Laptop Sleeve
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 A laptop sleeve is something you buy to keep your laptop safe inside your laptop bag. An extra layer of protection in case you get caught in the subway doors, topple down a flight of stairs, or need to stop a thief with a deft swing of your briefcase. It also keeps your precious portable clean and, in this case, green. Made from recycled plastic bottles inside and out, this is one nifty sleeve.Click for Recycled Laptop Sleeve
A most nifty laptop case, made from recycled PET (juice/water bottle) plastic!
  "I just got a laptop case from Act2 Greensmart, which turns out to be made almost entirely from recycled PET (soda/water bottle) plastic. Everything but the zipper..." Click to read more
- Paul S.Got a computer story with a green angle? Blog about it at SustainLane.com!
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Feature: The Industry Standard
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 E-waste is a huge global problem. Electronics, when disposed of improperly, leach dangerous chemicals that pose serious health risks and pollute the environment. There's much talk of cleaning up the problem, but without serious fiscal and legal consequences, electronics companies may be slow to improve.
The good news is some powerful initiatives are already making a difference. Click to read more...
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Featured Business: Reware Solar Bags
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 No need to wander about, searching desperately for an outlet. Instead, take a hike while your backpack takes care of business. Reware's bags have a solar charging system for iPods, cell phones, GPS, and cameras. After 2-4 hours of full sunlight, you're good to go. Even better, most bag models are available in recycled materials.
Reware Solar Bags
Juice Bag Is Amazing
"These bags are absolutely amazing! I encountered them for the first time here at Green Festival. The bags are solar powered -- that's right -- they have solar panels on the outside that attract and store sun energy. The bags come with a universal adapter. . click to read more
- Emily H.Agree? Disagree? E-mail us at community@sustainlane.com!
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Spotlight: Make It Last
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 Up to 5% of America's solid trash is e-waste. Since it's cheaper to dismantle electronics overseas, 50% to 80% of our e-waste is shipped to developing countries where shoddy disposal practices release toxic chemicals harming not only the environment, but the workers dismantling the computers.
But you don't have to put on a radiation suit to type an email. Your computer is safe -- until it's disassembled. Here are 5 tips to protect the Earth from your has-been electronics:
- Make your computer last - A processor upgrade or a new operating system may improve your computer's performance and extend its life by a year or more. Not sure where to start? Try your local fix-it shop. Advice is cheaper than a new PC!
- Sell or Donate - Consider donating working computers and electronics to
a local school or charity. Your junk could be someone's treasure.
- When it's time to recycle, do it right - Make sure your electronics are recycled properly. SustainLane can help.
- Make a fuss - If it's not free and easy to recycle a product, take the
manufacturer to task. Write a letter or post a public reprimand to
their online user forum.
- Be informed, raise awareness - Research and buy eco-friendly electronics. Get your friends and colleagues onboard too!
Add your own blog post here |
Staff Pick: Natural Ergonomic Keyboard
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 It's not made of corn or hemp, but it'll give you a more natural wrist position and help you avoid the miseries of carpal tunnel and tendonitis. Better yet, Microsoft's Natural Ergonomic Keyboard has customizable hot keys and built-in zoom. Just remember to recycle this baby responsibly.
Click for Natural Ergonomic Keyboard
An Extension of My Arms
 "Ever since I saw my first ergonomic keyboard, I wanted one of my very own. The problem was that I didn't really pay attention in my third grade typing class, and thus use some weird unsanctioned typing skills that don't really make any sense. . ." click to read more
- Adam W.
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Computers In The News
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 One For Me And One For You
Through an ingenious program, OLPC is committed to providing a laptop for every child. Read all about it.
Don't Just Sit There
A new computer desk let's you walk it out while you type it out.
Earth-friendly Power on Steroids
Imagine a battery that turns energizer bunnies into dust bunnies. Rechargeable methanol batteries are on the horizon. FInd out more.
Stingy With The Green
The vast majority of Americans say they will not pay more for greener computers.
Zonbu: Funny Name, Green Computers
These energy-efficient, inexpensive laptops are made from recycled plastics. But wait, there's more....
Leaving Town? Shut It Down
Hitting off switch saves employers a pretty penny. Learn why powering down matters.
Ghana's Kids Raid Toxic E-Waste
Searching for metals they can sell, children are the most vulnerable.
Share the news with your favorite folks. Forward this email or have them sign up for our weekly newsletter. |
Video: E-Waste Animated Short
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 From production to destruction, here's an animated film on e-waste that breaks it down in under two minutes. Plus, it's got a great beat and you can Click to view
Comments on this week's video? Please e-mail us at community@sustainlane.com and let us know! |
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Win $100
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Have something to say about your city? Send us a piece of your mind by September 12th and you could win $100. Just click below to see all the official rules and regulations.
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