All too often, we are reminded of how wasteful our society can be. Ask yourself—how many old computers do you have lying around your house?
Now think about how many times you have received a new computer at work over the last couple of years—what did they do with the old one? In many cases, old computer equipment is simply thrown away.
Did you know that nearly 200,000 computers and equipment are thrown away every day? Disposal of old computer hardware (commonly known as “e-waste”) further frustrates the existing landfill crisis.
It is our social responsibility to hedge these growing problems. But what is the solution?
Turning E-Waste into Educational Opportunity
Last week I had the pleasure of meeting eSmart Recycling CEO, Tony Selvaggio, and Renan DeBarros, eSmart Recycling’s Director of Partnership, who offer a potential solution.
Their mission—to set up computer labs for kids in developing countries who do not have access to technology, and to support local non-profits and tech related initiatives.
How?
eSmart Recycling collects old IT equipment from companies who upgrade their existing equipment. The equipment is then inventoried, and sensitive data is destroyed to protect the privacy of their contributors. The company then repurposes the equipment in order to help build computer labs in low income and developing areas.
My first thought: “WOW, how cool!”
My second thought: “Why isn’t every company doing this?”
Perhaps business leaders are unaware of the growing crisis of e-waste and how that disposal affects our landfills. Perhaps they don’t know that companies like eSmart Recycling exist, or maybe they are worried that their sensitive information will fall into the wrong hands?
Whatever the case, we need to give more attention to this growing problem.
Recycling is the Answer!
Many underprivileged communities have so few resources to offer their citizens. Access to technology provides people with the ability stay current in today’s society, creating new educational and economic opportunities to help reduce poverty worldwide.
Recycling offers a two prong solution: Not only does it stop the equipment from falling into landfills, but it has a positive effect on underprivileged communities.
For more information on how you or your company can become more socially responsible contact: esmartrecycling.com.