This column has previously reviewed options for saving electricity (and therefore heat and money) by using screen-saver and standby facilities. These sorts of facilities are being extended by fans that speed up or slow down as needed, by processors and hard-disks that operate with lower or variable energy consumption, and by design elements such as passive cooling (ie. cooling without a fan, such as vents or heatsinks). Not only do these changes mean a computer is cheaper to run, but they also mean it is quieter. 

However, another aspect of computers is the material that goes into their construction. All sorts of metals and plastics are used – and some are highly toxic. A major problem with computers is their limited lifespan. A typical car, even in Vanuatu's climate, can last years and years if properly looked after. A business computer, even in air-conditioned offices and carefully maintained, is likely to be replaced after just three years or at most five. What happens to all these old computers? 

In line with the environmental sustainability mantra of “Reduce, re-use, recycle”, the two applicable options are to recondition and sell/donate the computers, or to recycle the material into new products. At present, the unsustainable option is the most common one ie. send to the rubbish tip.  

Manufacturers are gradually changing the way they make computers to reduce or even eliminate the poisonous heavy metal materials, and are also incorporating design that encourages re-use or recycling. Such design makes it easier to upgrade components to extend the life of the computer, or it makes it easier for the manufacturer or recyclers to reclaim the materials after the computer is finished with. Dell and HP are two large manufacturers that have collection and recycling programs for their products, often for free. 

One thing to beware of though is the practice of dumping old technology on younger less affluent countries. While a donation of computers to Vanuatu may provide a welcome boost in access to IT for those otherwise less likely to get it, thought needs to be given to what will eventually happen to those older computers – probably made with less energy-efficient and more environmentally toxic parts. Shipping disposal problems off to someone else while getting a warm glow from a charitable donation is big win for the donating organisation, but presents a more ambiguous deal to the recipients.  

Vanuatu does not have the expensive specialist facilities required to safely dispose of many imported materials. A prime example is used lead-acid batteries as used in cars and computer power-protection units (UPS). Dangerous and toxic, few if any of the batteries that come in to the country ever leave. So any improvements in making computers environmentally friendly should be eagerly sought out and adopted by local suppliers and buyers. 
 

WANTED – topic suggestions for future columns. Send your ideas to - Merlin Pacific IT provide effective & efficient business IT. Also, join VIGNET (Vanuatu IT Users) for emailed discussions, register at tinyurl.com/zcusl