Category Archives: Environmental

“The Story Of Electronics” Explains The E-Waste Problem

We’re passionate about the environment. It’s why we bike to the homes of clients whenever possible, and why we partnered with Eco-Cycle to bring computer recycling to downtown Boulder.

Why is it so important to recycle electronics? Simply put: because they are full of toxic components that should not, under any circumstances, end up in a landfill. This video, by filmmaker Annie Leonard, outlines the situation nicely:

Be sure to check out the full version of the Story of Stuff on their website, which includes links to ways you can help.

Want your old electronics to last longer? Bring them to us; we’ll do everything we can to keep them working as long as possible. If that’s not possible, though, don’t fear: we can ensure they’re recycled properly.

Stop by at 1825 Pearl Street and we’ll take care of you.

Oh, and be sure to stop by tonight (November 10 2011): we’re celebrating our partnership with Eco-Cycle. Register on Facebook or on our site if you’d like to come.

Thai Flooding Increases Hard Drive Prices

After years of declining prices, hard drive prices are suddenly going up. The culprit: floods in Thailand.

“Basically, two of Western Digital’s factories are under water,” says Stephen Boni, iSupportU’s Pit Boss. “Both have been shut down since October 12.”

Boni, who spends part of each day researching product prices, says the increase hasn’t yet hit consumer sites like Amazon and eBay. “But they will,” he adds.

The Western Digital Caviar Green went up in price from $119 to $280 in a matter of five days. Toshiba’s hard drives drives are up about 10 percent.

The bottom line, according to Boni, is that people looking to buy hard drives should consider waiting a few months. Some studies say the price increases could last as long as six months.

Of course, an increase in hard drive costs is hardly the worst part of this disaster. Hundreds are dead because of Thailand’s floods, which are ongoing.

Higher prices are an inconvinence, to be sure, but the biggest cost is the loss of life and homes.

More information:

Hard drive shortage expected to hurt consumers most via Computerworld

Thailand floods could create laptop shortage via CNN

How to be a Techie Environmentalist

The average person buys a new computer once every 3 years.  That same average person buys a new cell phone once every 18 months.  This begs the question:  How can you be a techie environmentalist in our modern world?

Here at iSupportU, we have been looking closely at this problem for quite a few years.  Here are a few ways you can do your part to lower your impact on the world’s fastest-growing residential waste stream and hug some virtual trees:

  • Get it fixed:  Things break.  Gravity is quite effective and electronics are delicate.  That’s a dangerous combination.  People also keep inventing the most sinister viruses.  While it’s true that computers continue to become more affordable, in most cases, it is still  cost-effective to get your computer serviced.  If in doubt, get it fixed.
  • Keep it up to date:  Whether you use an Apple or a Windows-based computer, it’s important to keep your software up to date.  These updates often include security patches that will keep your computer healthy.  Browser updates allow you to visit the sites that you want to visit.  We know that it’s inconvenient, but a virus is even more inconvenient.
  • Buy for the long haul:  While it might be tempting to go for the cheap special to replace your aging computer, think about the future.  If you invest in quality technology that will serve you for 2 years longer than a cheap setup, you will save plenty of cash in the long run.  In addition to the cost savings, you will also contribute to the e-waste stream less often.
  • Go for a laptop:  Laptops use less power than desktop computers do.  They are usually quicker to go into sleep mode and they have lower wattage parts.  They’re also easier to lug around than a desktop.
  • Shut it off:  When you are not using your computer, shut if off.  Not only will the computer last longer, it’s also good practice to restart your computer anyway.  Putting it to sleep is good, but off is better.

We are all environmentalists at iSU, so we tend to encourage our clients to use their technology for as long as possible and make sustainable choices.  Every time a computer repair walks through our door, we consult with that client about whether to invest in the repair for that computer or purchase a new one.  This decision will depend on a few factors including: the age of the computer, compatibility with applications and what the client will use it for.

Just because you appreciate the power that technology offers does not mean you have to give up your tree-hugging roots.  Yes, you can have the best of both worlds.

iSupportU Now Offers Computer Recycling

With the help of Eco-Cycle we are now offering recycling services for your used computer equipment. Here’s how the process works:

  • Drop Off: Drop off your items at our shop. For a list of equipment we accept and pricing information, see our price sheet.
  • Test Item: We test the item to see if we can refurbish or repurpose any of the parts.
  • Wipe Data: We wipe all data before refurbishing, repurposing or recycling any electronics.
  • Refurbish/Repurpose Parts: If possible, we refurbish or repurpose parts for use in our shop.
  • Recycling: Everything else will be sent to Eco-Cycle’s Center for Hard-to-Recycle Materials (CHARM). 

Spread the word about our new program!

 

Hard Drive Signal Mirrors

At iSupportU, we do lots of Data Recovery.  When a hard drive fails, we wonder what we can make out of it.  Then the following thought occurred to us:

When you go into the back-country, it’s important to bring emergency equipment.  One of the simplest and most effective back-country safety devices is a signal mirror.  Here at iSupportU, we all have a background in backpacking as well as IT.  We realized one day that hard drive platters make excellent signal mirrors.  Not only are you doing your part to keep them out of the landfill, you are also getting an affordable and effective signal mirror.  These mirrors have a hole in the middle to aim the direction of the reflection from the mirror.

If you want to find out more about how hard drives platters are manufactured, take a peek at this info.  Lightweight and shiny.  That’s what you need.

E-waste is a big problem in the world of IT.  We do our best to re-purpose as much of this material as possible in-house before we have to add it to the e-waste stream.  This is another one of our projects in that area.  This is better than recycling.  It’s re-using.