One of the unintended consequences of technical innovation is the waste created by obsolete hardware. Discarded computers are a particular problem because of their lead, mercury and other toxic contents. The problem is not going to go away by itself... which is why a group of activists calling themselves the Computer TakeBack Campaign are calling attention to it.
They have singled out Apple, in part because of that company's reputation for ethical conduct, and in part because the iPod and other Apple products post special disposal problems. The campaign is urging Apple to take a leadership postion in component recycling.
Regardless of how successful the campaign is, it is calling attention to a serious problem that grows larger each time we upgrade a system to something newer, faster and cooler.
Source: Clippings.reblog
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