Comments on: Do you care if your gadgets are green?

By: Ariel

Ariel — Thu, 13 Nov 2008 00:01:14 +0000

Hi ! Here in Argentina, there’s been just recently interest on how to discard electronic eqmnt, as well as Old PC’s, monitors, etc. In Buenos Aires there are a couple of firms who take charge of safe disposal.
On the other hand there are several organizations who refurbishs old PC’s and monitors, etc…,what here is called PC Recycling which enables schools, social organizations, etc to put into use the older hardware.
In Buenos Aires we began to see ads offering “green pc’s” but their price is quite stiff for our average budgets. For most people a price range of U$S 1000-U$S 2000 represents 3 to 4 times the average monthly income.
Even among people conscious on the envirenomental issues it becomes quite difficult to puchase the equipment

I much enjoy your newsletter and find it very helpful. Keep up your good work

By: WWE

WWE — Mon, 03 Nov 2008 17:37:12 +0000

“Green” is another marketing ploy, driven not by market forces but regulatory bullying. I will always look for performance and price, and do not care a fig about “green” issues. Wise disposal and lowering waste are good ideas – and profitable. Global warming is absolute nonsense. And the best thing that every happened to a tree is a baseball bat, a piano, or a book.

By: slocumeddie

slocumeddie — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 21:55:38 +0000

It should be noted that manufacturers are responding to environmentalist’s demands, not real environmental concerns. An example is the psuedo rage about PVC. Any real studies of the matter(by disinterested 3rd parties), conclude that PVC is environmentally benign, fully recyclable, and has a very long service life.

By: Jake

Jake — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 16:04:28 +0000

@Stan: Microsoft does have some info on the web about their MAR program, unfortunately it doesn't do a very good job of breaking it down by geography. Details on the Microsoft Authorized Refurbisher program are here.

By: Stan Tishler

Stan Tishler — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 15:41:31 +0000

A good place to get rid of old computers (not too old) are the Microsoft Authorized Refurbishers (MAR). While MS supports these groups, they sell us XP licenses, and Office licenses , they are not involved in our operations at all.

My group PCRenew (A division of the Rockland PC Users Group) has exceeded 2,500 units given at no cost to Social Service Groups, Head Start and some food pantrys for distribution to local applicants who can’t afford to buy a computer. This services an unfortunately large group, and keeps these units from land fills or wherever they end up.

There are many such operations around the country, perhaps Microsoft could direct people to the nearest one to them.

Stan Tishler

By: Rob O.

Rob O. — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 13:12:04 +0000

I’m willing to pay a small premium for a greener product, but I won’t settle for an inferior item simply because it is the greener alternative. And actually, but choosing wisely, i think I’m opting for products that offer more longevity – so they won’t end up in the landfill nearly as soon as an inferior product – which may make them something of a greener choice, even if only peripherally.

By: Theodore LeSarge

Theodore LeSarge — Sat, 01 Nov 2008 10:55:39 +0000

I have to agree with your thoughts. I would like to make the attempt at a purchase of computer equipment that was “green”, but if it caused poor quality at a higher price, maybe not. I have in recent years made the move to the “green” idea, I no longer pitch old batteries in the dump. I now have a large bag of them that go to the proper disposal center when they advertise they are collecting them.
Oh, by the way, Mr. Ludington, I live in the city of Ludington.