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Office Politics

9:30 a.m.

ElectronicWaste

Recycle That Old Cell Phone

WHERE ART THOU, FIRST-GEN SMARTPHONE? After the feeding frenzy over the new and shiny dies down, we rarely ask where old gadgets go. We met with Carole Hochu, Director of the Ontario Electronic Stewardship Program, to find out. Turns out your old phone, along with other electronic waste, could have been melted down and repurposed into Olympic medals at the Vancouver Winter Games as part of a unique recycling program. But few electronics have an awesome afterlife. Every year we produce 140,000 tonnes of electronic waste, much of it ending up on the trash heap, leaking toxins into the ground. Developing countries are burial sites for outdated gizmos where old computers and fax machines are picked apart by hand and rock, scavenged for parts and burned. These dumping grounds turn into toxic places, leading to high rates of cancer and lead poisoning for the people who live and work there.With a bit of time and care, we can stop this epic fail. We’ve learned not to toss batteries out with our dinner; now it’s electronics’ turn. There are thousands of collection points across Canada to properly dispose of gadgets. (Penny pinchers take note: these recycling programs are funded by a levy included in the price of that electronic. You’ve already paid for the program, so you may as well make use of it, right?) Even better, donate your old, but still functional, computer, printer or office equipment to a charity or school. If you’re the type who regularly upgrades your phone, pass that barely used cell on to less savvy friends and family. Whatever you do, don’t toss those old electronics out with the trash.

REFRAIN AND REUSERound up old electronics from the basement, attic and garage for one big massive recycle.Sometimes a new upgrade to a phone or a computer is just not that hot. Reading reviews of the latest toy and resisting to buy until a better release could save you money and time. (Check out: cnet.com or Consumer Reports)In the market for a new electronic something-something? Before you buy, check out Craigslist and other re-seller websites first. You may be able to find a perfectly good second-hand version.Check out Greenpeace’s handy “Guide to Greener Electronics” before purchasing. It’s a chance to support a company that makes a serious attempt at improving its environmental and social impact.Donate that old computer to the national Computers for Schools program, which refurbishes and then gives it to a school, library or learning centre in need.

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Living Me To We | Day

DAY

Office Politics

9:30 a.m.

SLIP SLIDING AWAY

We love our phones

... and love to throw them away

GO TO PAGE 159 FOR MORE TIPS AND INFORMATION

Source: Canadian Wireless Telecommunication Association.

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