FreeGeek Central Florida

There are a lot of things to consider when you buy a new laptop like internet service providers and what color cover you’re going to get but don’t forget about one of the most important considerationswhat are you going to do with your old machines? Make sure you get rid of them responsiblythis is how.
Find an e-Steward – It’s easy as pie to look up a responsible e-Steward in your state, usually an organization designed to take an old Read the rest of this entry »

E cycling is something that has been introduced lately but it is gaining popularity increasingly. If you are new to this concept then you should know that in the simplest words, re cycling is the recycling of electronics through ways that do not damage the environment. Yes, this is a new concept as mentioned earlier but this is an important step. These days we need to recycle everything. The usage of electronics has increased a lot in the past decade. Every household is now filled with all types of electronics. They help us communicate, provide us with information and entertainment, Read the rest of this entry »

One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a product can be it’s ultimate destination. As technology has improved and enhanced our lives, older technology, including computers, televisions, radios and the myriad of home appliances we accumulate all ends up somewhere. Electronics can be full of heavy metals and other toxic properties that a traditional landfill is unable to properly dispose of. Do an online search for e-waste disposal in your community, and Read the rest of this entry »

E-waste is becoming a nationwide problem for everyone especially sanitation departments. The invention and disposal of old technology equipment leaves landfills full and with very few alternatives. This problem is becoming a major one on all levels especially locally. The cost to pick up electronic items are included in the regular monthly bill, depending on where you live.

In some states however, there maybe a charge for picking up these type of items. There are other methods of disposal that can be more productive than putting old electronic devices on the roadside.Is this new to you? Catch up here Read the rest of this entry »

Free Geek isn’t the only organization working to reduce e-waste in the world (and I promise I’ll stop now with the e-breviations). Other campaigns have also been successful at bringing awareness to the general public. A few of them are highlighted below.AddressTheMess.com is actually sponsored by Comedy Central, the same channel that brings awareness to social issues through the comedic antics of The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. AddressTheMess.com brings a similar sort of satiric but serious look at the issue, such as in a bit entitled “Electronics Roadshow,” where the hosts have an appraisal session and explain to their guests that their old technology is worth nothingso why not recycle it? Read the rest of this entry »

A Gadget Census Report published earlier this month has revealed some uncomfortable facts about e-waste recyclingnamely, that even people who know their options don’t take advantage of them. The study, which surveyed 7,500 people, revealed that more than 60 of people say they don’t recycle used devices like computers, phones, and TVs. 25 of those said the reason was that they “didn’t get around to it”; 17 said they didn’t know how; 11 said there were no programs nearby; a minority 7 said they didn’t care.However, people may find the issue higher on their to-do list in the near future. Consumer electronics site Retrevo estimates that by the end of the year, there will be enough electronic waste to cover Manhattan three feet deep. By 2020, the amount of e-waste “could fill enough dump trucks to circle the earth twice.” It’s more important than ever that we tackle this problem head-on, and organizations like Free Geek are here to help.

We know that technology is constantly changing, and that devices often pass their prime in a matter of years (or months). So what do you do with that computer you bought a few years ago when you’re ready to upgrade? The first answer is that you don’t simply throw it out. Electronic scraps in computers, cell phones, TVs, refrigerators, and other devices can include plenty of nasty ingredients that can harm the environment and the human workers who transport them. These include beryllium, cadmium, lead, mercury, and brominated flame retardants. Meanwhile, the EPA regards cathode ray tubes (CRTs, which are used in computer monitors and television screens) as “hazardous household waste.” Unfortunately, most of this ends up in landfills or incinerators. Read the rest of this entry »

Greenpeace publishes an annual Guide to Greener Electronics, detailing their favorites for greenest companies of the yearas well as those on the other end of the spectrum. What’s the opposite of green? Anyway, here are some of the selections from the 2009 edition, published back in January of 2010. An update was published in May of this year.Apple was congratulated for removing polyvinyl chlorides (PVC) and brominated flame retardants (BFRs) from its products two years ahead of other companies’ schedules. PVC produces dioxins, a dangerous byproduct, during manufacture and incineration, and BFRs have shown strong evidence of contaminating wildlife and individuals. Read the rest of this entry »