If you’re thinking of buying a new PC and intend to recycle your old computer, hold that thought - there is an even greener, more beneficial way to dispose of your old computer. A new UN study reveals that reusing a computer uses up to 20 times less energy than recycling. So rather than having your old computer broken up for parts, wouldn’t it be better if you could give it to someone in need in the developing world? You would be helping kids in the Third World to get out of poverty, as well as doing your bit for the environment.
This is exactly what Irish charity Camara were set up to do. Camara take unwanted computers, refurbish them and send them off to ‘Learning Centres’ in schools and colleges in Africa. So far this year, Camara has sent 2,500 computers to schools in Africa.
Environmental benefits
However, Camara’s efforts only account for 1% of the computers discarded in Ireland every year, according to Camara CEO Cormac Lynch. “We spend a lot of time trying to educate people that there’s an alternative to just recycling.” According to Lynch, 80% of the equipment they receive can be reused before eventual recycling.
Each PC that Camara refurbishes eliminates the need to manufacture a new computer. This saves the environment 650kg of carbon emissions, 220kg of fosssil fuels, 22 kg of chemicals, 1.5 tonnes of water and 6,400 meagajoules of electricity per unit.
Minimum specs for donating your PC
If you’re thinking of donating your old computer to Camara, it must have at least a Pentium III processor with 256Mb of RAM, and an 8Gb hard drive and a CD/DVD drive - if you purchased your computer anytime within the last decade, it should be suitable. Monitors must be between 15” and 17”, and Camara also accept mouses and cables.
Cost of donating your computer
Camara ask for a €20 contribution for each unit that they process. This is to help cover the cost of refurbishing your equipment, and includes the cost of wiping your hard-drive. Even if you were to recycle your PC, you would have to get the hard drive wiped anyway, so the €20 contribution doesn’t represent much in the way of an extra cost.
The information in this article might not save you a few bob; however, it could help save our environment, and help educate some of the world’s poorest children.
Links:
Tags: energy efficient
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...
