Today, as never before, we are noticing the undesirable effects of an economic system which requires (obviously unsustainable) growth to function. These include, but are certainly not limited to climate change, destruction of natural environments and habitats, and ground, sea and air pollution.

Information Technology is no exception to the general rule: manufacturing, using and disposing of computers is unfortunately not good for the environment.

What Can You Do?

Iota is commited to helping it’s customers reduce their Information Technology-related impact on the environment. Acting by example, we run our own systems according to the following rules:

• Use Less Power – Do not leave your PC on overnight, or for extended period of time when it is not being actively used. This not only saves energy, but will help prevent overheating and general wear and tear of components.
• Push The Limits Of Obsolescence – It is simply not necessary to upgrade a PC every 2 years, despite what hardware and software vendors may want us to believe. Generally, 5-6 years is a more realistic life-span, unless your usage patterns change dramatically. We can help you extend the life of your PC: just ask.
• Dispose Of E-Waste Properly – When a PC (or for that matter any item of electronics) is retired, it is common practice to dispose of it along with regular household or office trash. However, given the chance of reuse and recycling, and the harmful nature of the chemicals contained in some components, disposal should be a more carefully considered process. We recommend the two follwoing options (see right-hand column for Hong Kong-specific information):
• Donate your computer to a charity, where it will be reused or recycled.
• Use a government-supported PC disposal center.

With a little bit of thought, we can all do a little to help address environmental problems: in the long term, these issues will hopefully be tackled by structural changes within our economic, political and financial institutions.

Give It Away Now

Hong Kong-based non-government organisation Crossroads International, accepts well looked after computers and peripherals for re-conditioning and distribution to other charities around the world. If you don’t want your computer, someone else might.

Proper Disposal

The Hong Kong Government’s Environmental Protection Department now offers a PC Recovery Service, which will take computer equipment in any condition. Those parts which can be reused are: those that can’t are disposed of safely.