E-Waste*

What happens to all those outdated cellphones and prehistoric computers we trade for the latest, newest, faster, better model?

Worldwide 20-50 million tons is sent to the dump

In the USA 65,000 tons ends up in the landfill

Much, if not most, of our outdated electronics are sent to less developed nations where they are refurbished (under varying degrees of scrutiny) and re-used - Shipping it abroad has proved, in many cases, cheaper than properly recycling it here.

Why recycle our e-waste properly?
Because these electronic gadgets often contain toxic substances. While e-waste accounts for only 2% of landfill waste it creates 70% of the toxic waste:

TV and computer circuit boards = lead, mercury and cadmium

cellphones = mercury, arsenic

cables = brominated flame retardants

batteries = toxic heavy metals: e.g. nickel, cadmium, lithium, lead

More than 90% of electronic material can be recycled. Most of the recycled parts are reused in electronics because they are already the right grade for electronic devices. Other components are valuable metals:

cellphone chargers: copper

circuit boards: gold, silver, palladium

Where do I recycle?
The EPA website has information about where to recycle or donate electronics and batteries, check it out at: http://www.epa.gov/waste/conserve/materials/ecycling/donate.htm

Earth 911 is a great site that allows you to search for recycling centers (of all kids) by your zipcode:  http://earth911.com/electronics/


Facts and figures above from :The United National Environmental Programme, Earth 911 and Ready, Set, Green by Hill and O'Neil

Clean Water*

The NY Times has been running an interesting series on clean water. This weekend I thought their gadget which allows you to check the water polluters in your area by zip code was very neat. Check it out:

check the water pollutants in your area

Cleaning the Air with Plants*

How do astronauts keep their air clean of hazardous gasses? The answer is simple: Plants.

How can we keep the air in our homes free from hazardous gasses? The answer is simple: Plants.

Household plants can absorb gases from the air and store and render them harmless in the soil. Plant leaves release water vapor helping to humidify the air. And, plants emit phytochemicals that defend against mold spores and bacteria.

So GO GREEN, literally!

East to grow houseplants:

• English Ivy (Hedera helix)
• Spider plant (Chlorophytum comosum)
• Golden pothos or Devil's ivy (Scindapsus aures or Epipremnum aureum)
• Peace lily (Spathiphyllum 'Mauna Loa')
• Chinese evergreen (Aglaonema modestum)
• Bamboo palm or reed palm (Chamaedorea sefritzii)
• Snake plant or mother-in-law's tongue (Sansevieria trifasciata 'Laurentii')
• Heartleaf philodendron (Philodendron oxycardium, syn. Philodendron cordatum)
• Selloum philodendron (Philodendron bipinnatifidum, syn. Philodendron selloum)
• Elephant ear philodendron (Philodendron domesticum)
• Red-edged dracaena (Dracaena marginata)
• Cornstalk dracaena (Dracaena fragans 'Massangeana')
• Janet Craig dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Janet Craig')
• Warneck dracaena (Dracaena deremensis 'Warneckii')
• Weeping Fig (Ficus benjamina)
• Gerbera Daisy or Barberton daisy (Gerbera jamesonii)
• Pot Mum or Florist's Chrysanthemum (Chrysantheium morifolium)
• Rubber Plant (Ficus elastica)

List from Huffington Post article siting NASA research.

Each absorbs different pollutants, so mix them up!

Consumption Strategies

I heard story on NPR a while back that has really changed the way I think. If I remember correctly, they were talking about the European vs. American way of thinking about economic issues. Americans will buy the most for the least amount, versus spending a little more on quality instead of quantity, a more European approach. A caller told the following story, which happened to him in Japan (I know Japan is not in Europe):

He was at work and took a break, walking to the vending machines. He wanted a Coke and saw that there were two sizes: a large can that cost the equivalent of a US $1.00 and a smaller can that cost the equivalent (roughly) of $1.25. He put in his money and purchased the larger can. His co-worker, a Japanese man, came in and put his money in and purchased the smaller can. "Why did you buy that one he asked? It's 25 cents more and you get less." The co-worker replied, "I wasn't that thirsty."

I've thought a lot about this story, because I would have bought the larger can too. And wouldn't most of us? But I've been calculating the fall out from that same scenario multiplied day in and day out and multiplied in scope...waste and overconsumption galore! Doesn't it in some part account for our overstuffed garages, overfilled garbage cans and perhaps our bulging stomachs?

Does money and making a deal overule our sense of fulfillment, quality, aesthetics, sustainabilty? Somehow we must turn into consumers with more lofty values that govern our buying decisions.

I'm trying. The other day I went to the store to buy a new large tupperware-ish container. I found the container I needed, but looking at the sticker, balked at the price. I suppose, it's been a while since I've bought plastic storage containers, but the price seemed outrageous. I put the item back on the shelf and looked around for a cheaper solution.

Then I saw a box of eight different sized containers (including the one I needed) for only a few dollars more. I took the large box off the shelf. "Might as well, right?" the deal grabber in me said. "But wait," I stopped myself, "I hate having to dig through a pile of lids and containers in my storage cabinet. I have plenty of small containers, I only need the large one." I put the box back on the shelf and took back my one container. I paid the hefty price, but with pride now, knowing that I had overcome my money grubbing tendancy and made a more intelligent choice.

Ecological and Carbon Footprints

I know...I know...Anyone who has even a little interest in the environment has already calculated their footprint. But when was the last time you did so? Have you measured your progress? Shrunk a shoe size? Give it a whirl once again:

Ecological Footprint (how your lifestyle affects the Earth and its ability to regenerate new resources): www.ecofoot.org

Carbon Footprint ( a measure of how much carbon dioxide you use): 

www.safeclimate.net

And just a reminder: The average person's Ecological footprint is 2.2 global hectares, while there are only 1.8 global hectares of biologically productive area per person available on the planet. (source: Global Footprint Network) What does this overshoot mean?

depleted groundwater

collapsing fisheries

carbon dioxide accumulation in the atmosphere

deforestation