pollution

Greenpeace Ranks Nokia as Most Eco-Friendly Electronics Maker

jplatt — Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:00:00 -0400

Greenpeace has once again updated its list of the electronics makers with the best (and worst) records of producing eco-friendly goods.

Greenpeace not only ranks companies by the materials they use in their devices, but also how easy their products are to recycle and how much the company does to encourage recycling. They also look at energy efficiency and other criteria.

This time around, Nokia has topped the list, thanks, Greenpeace says, to the company's "improved take-back practice in India."

Samsung took second place this time around, thanks to the energy-efficiency of its products. Fujitsu Siemens climbed a few places in the list after setting 2010 as its deadline to eliminate toxic PVC plastic and all BFRs from its computers and other products.

The manufacturer with the worst ranking? Once again, Nintendo earned that distinction for its high levels of toxic chemical use and the low recyclability of its products.

You can download the entire Greenpeace Guide to Greener Electronics here.

Smog Envelops Beijing on the Eve of Opening Ceremonies

Marcus — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 17:00:38 -0400

Apparently, it’s unclear whether or not the “fog” that International Olympic Committee president James Rogge reported seeing earlier today in downtown Beijing is due to pollution or excessive heat and humidity. Either way, today’s haze marked the smoggiest day of the past week and, with the opening ceremonies just a day away, the I.O.C. is concerned that it may have to postpone events due to noxious air. Outdoor events, especially cycling, triathlon, and marathon running, are the most at risk, and I.O.C. officials are taking every precaution to ensure athletes’ health and safety. While Chinese authorities are confident that the air quality will remain at safe levels, the air pollution in Beijing is often three times higher than the U.S. limit on any given day.

It’s going to be interesting to see whether or not athletes opt out of tomorrow’s opening ceremony, where they’ll have to be outside for several hours. Look for Beijing’s pollution to become a theme over the course of the games—it may unfortunately play a significant role in the way several of the events unfold. There’s already been some controversy over American cyclists getting off the plane with pollution-cutting masks on. The smog, in conjunction with some serious humidity, not to mention the rising tensions of the China-Tibet conflict, could make things a little bit sticky over the next few weeks. Stay tuned.

Recycle Those Electronics!

jplatt — Wed, 19 Mar 2008 12:11:08 -0400

Recycling electronics is quickly becoming big business, which means more options are finally opening to consumers looking to trade in their old computers, monitors, cell phones, printer cartridges and the like.

The U.S. Post Office this week announced it is starting a trial program (initially available in 10 cities), where you can pick up a pre-paid envelope and mail in your electronics for free recycling. Their partner in this program, Clover Technologies Group, has a "zero landfill" policy and unlike other companies doesn't outsource its work oversees, where recycling of high-tech devices has a tendency to create terrible pollution.

The Post Office isn't alone. For example, Staples stores collect all kinds of electronics for recycling. The stores charge a $10 fee to recycle larger devices (like monitors, which aren't eligible for the Post Office's program), but smaller peripherals are recycled at no charge.

Of course, you could always embrace the old mantra of "reduce, reuse, recycle" and donate your old electronics. Cell phones are particularly good fundraisers for many organizations. The old phones are refurbished and given to people who need them, often in the developing world, where they can help create economic opportunities.

No matter what you do, try to avoid just throwing your old electronics out. The long-term damage far outweighs the convenience of your garbage can.

Want to find out more about recycling?

Recycling Tips: Did You Know You Cannot Recycle Messy Pizza Boxes?

The Benefits of Recycling: Let’s Talk Trash

Recycling the Looking Glass: When Garbage and Art Collide

Top 10 Recycling Resources

Recycled Record Snack Tray

The Benefits of Recycling Cardboard

The Art of Garbage

Reduce, Reuse… FREECYCLE

Back to Basics—RRR

Picking Up Garbage TVs and Recycling as Art

Students Recycle and Reduce Garbage: Take It Or Leave It

Knight Rider Recycled—Reborn With Green Twist!

Recycling Your Garbage: Where Does it All Go?

Don’t Change That Oil!

tdupuy — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 00:00:00 -0500

Or maybe you should. It kind of depends on the make and model of your car. But according to the ca.gov website, the long touted changing your oil every 3,000 miles is officially a fiction.

“Needing to change your car’s oil at 3,000 miles is a myth. Many cars today can go longer without affecting engine wear. Automakers are regularly recommending oil changes at 5,000, 7,000 or even 10,000 miles based on driving conditions."--3000milemyth.org

And

“Most major automakers agree: The adage that you should change your car’s oil every 3,000 miles is outdated, and even 5,000 miles may be too often,” -- Tom Krisher, Associated Press, in the Deseret News, March 26, 2007

and

“Although oil companies and quick-lube shops like to promote this idea [that engine oil should be changed every 3,000 miles], it's usually not necessary. Go by the recommended oil-change schedule in your vehicle's owner's manual. Most vehicles driven under normal conditions can go 7,500 miles or more between oil changes. Some models now come with a monitoring system that alerts the driver when the oil needs changing. Depending on driving conditions, these can extend change intervals to 10,000 or 15,000 miles.” That from Consumer Reports, December 2006.

On the 3000milemyth,org website there is a listing of cars and the recommended miles before oil changes. The interesting thing is some of the greener cars, the ones that are more fuel efficient, like the Honda Civic for example, only need to get the oil changed once a year! The Camry - every 5,000 miles. But if you have a PT Cruiser you still need to get your oil changed once every 3,000 miles. Of course, if you have a PT Cruiser…I’ve filed that car under ‘just don’t get it’.

Anyway, this is great news for pollution reduction.