Garbage In, Garbage Out

The computer itself is an interesting design. Chances are, you won’t leave college with the same computer that you’re bringing with you—and that’s by design. Computer design changes so quickly that you can buy the new-and-improved model within days of the time that you make your first purchase. On the one hand, this is a good thing. New computers work faster and more efficiently than old ones. On the other hand, if you really think about it, the computer on your desk is designed to be junk. This year (2005), one computer will become obsolete for every new one that’s built.

We’re so accustomed to planned obsolescence in cars and fashions and electronics that we don’t think twice about all the implications of material improvement, one of which is material waste. In fact, one of the significant problems of solid waste management in America is what to do with obsolete electronics. Electronic wastes like computers contain toxic substances, including lead, mercury, cadmium, lithium, brominated flame retardants, and phosphorous coatings. These can be released when we junk our computers, posing a lasting threat to human health and the environment.