ReuseRecycle Blog

Color And The Existence of Life by Mitch Kirby

Chris Rodinis — Mon, 11 May 2015 17:30:52 +0000

There is an extremely deep connection between life on Earth and the colors that we see. On the surface, this connection is very basic and well studied, but as we delve deeper, the questions become more profound and less explored or known. I will start from a simple question and keep asking why. Stay with me.

The first question is, “Why do we see the colors that we see?” To answer this question on a purely physical basis, it is important to understand how the eye functions. In our eyes, we have cone cells, which are sensitive to different wavelengths of light. These cone cells, named S-cones, M-cones and L-cones, are sensitized to light of wavelengths 420–440 nm (blue), 534–545 nm (green), and 564–580 nm (red), respectively. By combining the relative signals from these three types of cone cells, our brain can see a fairly continuous range of colors (10 million different colors in fact!). Thus, we see the colors that we see because these colors are just different frequencies/wavelengths of light that our eyes are specifically tuned to pick up.

So now we must ask, “Well, why did our brains evolve to see those specific colors?” It is generally agreed upon that animals have evolved to see colors primarily to alert them to potential sources of food. For instance, certain birdsare sensitized to the ultraviolet spectrum which allows them to sense UV patterns found on flowers and other wildlife that are otherwise invisible to the human eye. Similarly, it is thought that the evolution of trichromatic color vision in humansoccurred as the result of our primate ancestors switching to greater daytime activity leading to a greater reliance on consuming fruits and leaves that were green, red, and orange in color.

Going deeper, the next question asks, “Well, I understand that animals evolved to see certain plants, but why are these plants colored this way to begin with?” To answer this question, we must understand how pigmentation works on a chemical level. Pigments are “molecules that absorb specific wavelengths (energies) of light and reflect all others.” In order for a particular molecule to reflect a certain color, its chemical structure must be arranged in a special way. Specifically, the molecule’s electrons must be able to absorb certain wavelengths of light, but not others. Take chlorophyll for instance. Chlorophyll’s chemical structure causes it to absorb blue and red light, but hardly any green light at all, so the green gets reflected back to our eyes, which is why leaves appear green. In fact, Chlorophyll takes the energy its electrons absorb from light, and through a series of chemical steps (called photosynthesis) takes carbon dioxide and water and, using the energy from the sun, converts them into sugars and oxygen. As a result, plants get their mass from the air by turning carbon dioxide into sugars, not from the roots as is a common misconception. This process is virtually the opposite of the process discussed in my article, “When You Lose Weight, Where Does it Go? The Answer May Surprise You“.

Now, why do pigments like chlorophyll absorb wavelengths of light in the visible spectrum? The answer is a Goldilocks effect of sorts. If plants had pigments that absorbed UV and x-rays, too much energy would be absorbed, causing electrons to be knocked off their orbitals, destroying the molecule. On the flip side, if plants absorbed infrared and radio waves, there would not be enough energy for electron transfer and the photosynthetic reaction could not take place. So basically, pigments absorb in the visible spectrum because these frequencies provide just the right amount of energy for powering crucial chemical reactions.

At this point, lets just reflect on our journey so far before we delve even deeper. We’ve gone from asking why we see the colors we do, to why we evolved to do so, to why these colors are the colors that they are, to finally understanding why biological pigments have evolved to use these specific colors. Now, the next set of questions will force us to think about the interactions between color and the existence of life on Earth.

Given that life first formed and evolved in water, how does this relate to the visible spectrum of color? If you look at the chart above, you can see how much light is absorbed by water at different wavelengths – the higher the line on the chart goes, the more light gets absorbed and not passed through. Amazingly, water absorbs the least amount of light right in the visible spectrum, which allows more visible light to pass through, and hence why water appears transparent to us. This means that if you are an early form of photosynthetic life in the ocean or a pond, you are still able to get the light you need to survive and thrive. This is unlikely a coincidence, but merely another reason why we see the light that we do. Not only is the light we see of ideal energy for supporting life, it is also able to easily pass through water.

We’re still not done. Consider this: “How does the light we see relate to the light that is emitted from the sun?” The chart above is what’s called a Blackbody Diagram. You may not realize this, but all objects radiate electromagnetic radiation according to a specific spectrum and intensity that depends solely on their temperature – even humans do! People, however, are relatively cool in temperature (98.6 F) and as a result, radiate primarily in the infrared spectrum so we can’t see it with the naked eye. Stars on the other hand, which are much hotter, tend to radiate closer to the visible spectrum, with relatively cool stars appearing red and super hot stars appearing blue. Incredibly, you’ll notice, that our star, which is categorized as a white star, is at a temperature that causes its blackbody diagram to peak right in the middle of the visible spectrum. In fact, 44% of the sun’s energy is emitted in the narrow band of electromagnetic radiation that comprises visible light. So visible light is of ideal energy for supporting life, able to easily pass through water, and also corresponds to the most light that is emitted from the sun. Wow!

Given all of these connected pieces of science, I can’t help but marvel at the elegance of the universe. Putting these pieces together opens up much deeper questions, ones that I can’t even hope to answer. Can life exist on a planet orbiting a star of a vastly different temperature? If it can, will life on this planet be incredibly different and optimized to the specific frequencies of light that are most prevalent? Could life exist at all if water had a different absorption spectrum that did not bottom out in the visible range? How much leeway on these physical properties does the universe give life, and do these properties all have to overlap? Will life find a way no matter what? Are these properties specifically designed to coexist perfectly, or do we just happen to exist on a planet, orbiting a star, in a galaxy, within a universe in which all of these things are possible? Are we only capable of asking these questions because all of these things are true to begin with?

62.4 lbs. Per Inhabitant? Electronic Waste!

Chris Rodinis — Tue, 28 Apr 2015 16:23:39 +0000

Discarded “mother boards” from old computers wait to be processed and stripped of the metal they contain at a junk yard in Guiyu. Much of modern electronic equipment contains toxic ingredients and as much as 4,000 tonnes of toxic e-waste is discarded every hour. Vast amounts are routinely and often illegally shipped as waste from Europe, USA and Japan to countries in Asia as it is easier and cheaper to dump the problem on poorer countries with lower environmental standards. Workers involved in dismantling e-waste are exposed to serious, environmental problems, danger and health hazards.
Â© Natalie Behring/Greenpeace
EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NO ARCHIVING. NO RESALE. NO AFTER MARKET OR THIRD PARTY SALES. OK FOR ONLINE REPRO.

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Dear Chris,

2014 saw a record amount of electronic waste discarded across the globe, according to a report compiled by the United Nations University. 41.8 million tons of refrigerators, televisions, washing machines, vacuum cleaners and other electrical appliances were thrown away last year, up from 39.8 million in 2013. Last year’s mountain of e-waste is equivalent to 1.15 million heavy trucks forming a line 14,300 miles long, according to the report. Waste that could have been recovered for recycling contained an estimated 16,500 kilotons of iron, 1,900 kilotons of copper and 300 tons of gold, worth $52 billion.

The United States and China generated the most e-waste last year – 32 percent of the world’s total. However, on a per capita basis, several countries famed for their environmental awareness and recycling records lead the way. Norway is on top of the world’s electronic waste mountain, generating 62.4 lbs per inhabitant. Switzerland is in second position with 58lbs while Iceland rounds off the top three with 57.3lbs. The United Kingdom comes in fifth with e-waste per capita amounting to 51.8lbs while the United States is in ninth position with 48.6 lbs.
Click here for more charts and infographics.

Net Neutrality Is Here To Stay

Chris Rodinis — Thu, 26 Feb 2015 18:53:30 +0000

Thanks to Cnet for this coverage! (image): www.zazzle.com

http://www.cnet.com/news/net-neutrality-a-reality-fcc-votes-to-bring-internet-under-utility-style-rules/

“It’s official. The Internet will now be regulated as a public utility.

After months of anticipation and weeks of frenzied last-minute lobbying on both sides of the political aisle, the Federal Communications Commission has adopted Net neutrality regulations based on a new definition of broadband that will let the government regulate Internet infrastructure as it could the old telephone network.

At the FCC’s monthly meeting Thursday the agency reinstated open Internet rules in a 3-2 vote split along party lines. The new rules replace regulations that had been thrown out by a federal court last year.

The new rules prohibit broadband providers from blocking or slowing down traffic on wired and wireless networks. They also ban Internet service providers from offering paid priority services that could allow them to charge content companies, such as Netflix, fees to access Internet “fast lanes” to reach customers more quickly when networks are congested.

The crux of the new rules is the FCC’s reclassification of broadband as a Title II telecommunications service under the 1934 Communications Act. Applying the Title II moniker to broadband has the potential to radically change how the Internet is governed, giving the FCC unprecedented authority. The provision originally gave the agency the power to set rates and enforce the “common carrier” principle, or the idea that every customer gets equal access to the network. Now this idea will be applied to broadband networks to prevent Internet service providers from favoring one bit of data over another.”

Recycling Words “Modern Man” Musings by George Carlin

Chris Rodinis — Thu, 19 Feb 2015 23:40:20 +0000

George Carlin wrote this for modern man about modern phenomena. I am recycling it here as way of gaining perspective!

I’m a modern man, a man for the millennium, digital and smoke-free, a diversified multi-cultural post-modern deconstructionist, politcally, anatomically, and ecologically incorrect.

I’ve been uplinked and downloaded, I’ve been inputed and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I’m a high-tech lowlife, a state-of-the-art bi-coastal multitasker, and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond.

I’m new wave, but I’m old school, and my inner child is outward bound. I’m a hot-wired, heat-seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice-activated and biodegradeble. I interface with my database, and my database is in cyberspace, so I’m interactive, I’m hyperactive, and from time to time, I’m radioactive.

Behind the 8-ball, ahead of the curve, riding the wave, dodging the bullet, pushing the envelope. I’m on point, on task, on message, and off drugs. I got no need for coke and speed. I have no urge to binge and purge. I’m in the moment, on the edge, over the top, but under the radar. A high-concept, low-profile, medium-range ballistics missionary. A street-wise smart bomb, a top-gun bottom-feeder.

I wear power ties, I tell power lies, I take power naps, I run victory laps. I’m a totally ongoing bigfoot slamdunk rainmaker with a proactive outreach. A raging workaholic, a working rageaholic, out of rehab and in denial. I got a personal trainer, a personal shopper, a personal assistant, and a personal agenda. You can’t shut me up, you can’t dumb me down, ’cause I’m tireless, and I’m wireless. I’m an alpha male on beta blockers.

I’m a non-believer and an overachiever, laid back, but fashion forward, up front, down home, low rent, high maintenance; super size, long lasting, high definition, fast acting, oven ready, and built to last. I’m a hands-on, footloose, kneejerk headcase, prematurly post-traumatic, and I have a love child who sends me hate mail.

But I’m feeling, I’m caring, I’m healing, I’m sharing, a supportive, bonding, nurturing, primary caregiver. My output is down, but my income is up. I take a short position on a long bond, and my revenue stream has its own cash flow. I read junk mail, I eat junk food, I buy junk bonds, I watch trash sports. I’m gender specific, capital intensive, user friendly, and lactose intolerant.

I like rough sex, I like tough love, I use the F-word in my e-mails, and the software on my hard drive is hardcore, no soft porn. I bought a microwave at a minimall, I bought a minivan at a megastore, I eat fast food in the slow lane. I’m tollfree, bite size, ready to wear, and I come in all sizes. A fully equipped, factory authorized, hospital tested, clinically proven, scientifically formulated medical miracle.

I’ve been prewashed, precooked, preheated, prescreened, preapproved, postdated, freeze dried, double wrapped, vacuum packed, and I have an unlimited broadband capacity. I’m a rude dude, but I’m the real deal, lean and mean, cocked, locked, and ready to rock; rough, tough, and hard to bluff. I take it slow, I go with the flow, I ride with the tide, I got glide in my stride. Drivin’ and movin’, sailin’ and spinin’, jivin’ and groovin’, wailin’ and winnin’. I don’t snooze, so I don’t lose. I keep the pedal to the metal and the rubber on the road. I party hardy, and lunch time is crunch time. I’m hangin’ in, there ain’t no doubt, and I’m hangin’ tough, over and out.” —–Written by George Carlin.

Open Letter To New Technologists

Chris Rodinis — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 22:27:53 +0000

The SpiceWorks Community has evolved over the years into a forceful presence of the IT world. With so many members that are interested in the opportunities that computer technology offers, there is one opportunity rarely considered. That is the opportunity of refurbishing and recycling used computers and electronic waste (E-waste).

Refurbishing used computers can be a successful business or charitable enterprise if you have the required tech skills.

Recycling computers is lucrative only if processed on a large scale. That is because it takes several pounds of “raw” computers to yield a few ounces of precious and rare earth metals.

So refurbishing or recycling used computers solves those particular problems of e-waste, but only if you have the required tech skills.

Currently, one of your mentor partners at SpiceWorks, IT Creations (ITCreations.com) , has an e-waste program (EwasteWiz.com) in place that is becoming a market leader in the Chatsworth area. You can be a part of the e-waste solution by letting IT Creations recycle your old computers and laptops whenever you decide.

Now that you know about one more thing that IT Creations can do for you, you should be aware or even inspired by the problem of e-waste. Because, after all, that is what a technologist does, they observe a problem or inefficiency and create a new solution.

So what is the problem with e-waste for techies like you to solve? Well because of the astronomical amounts of e-waste there are plenty of areas which could be addressed!

On a global scale, environmental pollution and health risks pose the greatest threat. As the US has cleaned up its act dealing with pollutions and health risks, serious problems like these still exist in China, India and Africa.

In some of these places, old electronics are processed by fire in the open air by unprotected adults and even young children. If a tech inventor could devise simple and inexpensive solutions to these global e-waste problems, then the world would be a better place.

Here is a Post from Viral World!

Chris Rodinis — Tue, 15 Jul 2014 16:38:04 +0000

EwasteWiz is Sharing on Upcycling!

25 Exceptional Ways To Use Old Stuff You Were Going To Throw Away. #10 Is Brilliant.

February 25, 2014 Educational

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Planning to throw away some old things? Not so fast! Upcycling is the process of converting old or discarded materials into something useful and often beautiful. Take an old tire for example. Tie a rope to it and hang it from a tree and now you have a swing!

Upcycling is often seen in art but many people have taken the idea into their homes. Below are just a few examples of what is possible.

Awesome candles made from old light bulbs.

LooksLikeGoodDesign

Turn old picture frames into serving trays.

Funcage

Broom made from a recycled bottle.

BoredPanda

The Amazing Art of Repurposing

Chris Rodinis — Thu, 19 Dec 2013 18:40:58 +0000

Chris Rodinis

This blog post is longer than usual, which is okay since my last post was weeks ago. Today the subject is repurposing. Well, I confess again that I am new to this party, and therefore excited to learn about developments in a small but growing part of our economy. For readers not too familiar with the topic,”repurposing,” is exactly what it sounds like! Take something old and make it new again! What could be lovelier?

At first, the creative genius doing the repurposing sits with the “target” object and wonders: “What the hell can I do with this old blankety blank?”

From there, “material manipulation” takes place or call it re-engineering! Whatever it is, this type of repurposing is more than refurbishing!

Here is the link to the pictures which are discussed in order: http://www.boredpanda.com/creative-reuse-upcycling-repurposing-ideas/

1. Ye Ole Ladder Into A Bookshelf Trick!

Since this was the first one I viewed, I was “wowed”. Immediate reaction to myself: “wow! cool! great job! very creative! nice and homey!” In my mind, a light went off that read: more of this would be a good thing! See the simplicity in the “design?” Those books seem content there too….plus how much more functional can you make a bookshelf? Amazing! Ikea and Home Depot are looking into this lol.

2. Ye Ole Suitcase Into A Chair Trick!

This one absolutely cracks me up. What a conversation starter! Think of the funny lines of dialogue that would happen in the happy home where it lived as user friendly furniture. “Sitting in this suitcase makes me feel like I am well packed!” ….”Here, have a seat while we pack!”…….”This is custom luggage from ‘Stowaway Airlines!'”…please feel free to be funny in the comments…”this suitcase has so many traveling memories that I just could not wait to sit in it!……..Why WASTE a suitcase when you MAKE a chair?

3. A Chair By Another Name is A Mini-Closet

Again, this is striking! I love the way some people can be so darn smart! I need to join this smarty pants club! Since this creator did this, we have a feeling their next work will be as good or better. If only I could bottle this genius and it apply it to the great problems of the world. Interior designers take note, talk about the various variations that could originate from this concept!

4. Ye Ole Book Becomes An Elf of a Shelf

I have to say that this is darling. And light and airy with a gentle sense of flight combined! As the shelf sits on its perch, its functionality becomes magnanimous. Nothing like flying books on a wall! Hoovering as if looming into your reading future; perhaps knowing that their “shelf life” may be for a limited time only as it transitions back into “book-hood.”

5. That Derby Hat As Bright As This Light

This one is nothing short of marvelous! Why be in the dark when you can light a candle….why toss a hat when you can light it up! The clever placement of a this hanging hat is almost a bit ghostly too! As if one might think, namely, where is the person that belongs under this hat? Am I looking at an invisible person? How did this happen? Wait a light just came on! lol Can you turn on my Derby please?

6. Attention: You Can Now See Yourself In A Tennis Racket

What did you say? How is that possible? Oh replace the strings with a mirror silly! Tennis racket on the wall who is the best player of them all? Who can think of such creative solutions? One answer: a creative person! How else can you explain that only a very small percentage of the population could conceive of a tennis racket existing as mirror. This of course is a very lovely job well done. Sterling work!

7. One Liter of Plastic Equals Your New Broom

Plastic arts are a wonderful skill. Oh poor mother earth has been so burdened by our love for plastic. Terrible swirling miles of plastic are sickening our seas. There is a new bill proposal in Congress banning all plastics nationwide and for Dupont to produce only safe plastics…..haha….just kidding…of course the times are changing, however, not as fast as we need or want!

8. The Clothes Hangers That Make Modular Space

In a word: Tres Chic! Naturally, this one came out spectacular! And Inspiring! What else can we make we these Lego like objects? Maybe a pen for puppies or for a baby playing? If you live in warehouse loft you could make a nice room…place an ad on Craigslist: “Wanted to buy unwanted plastic coat hangers!”

9. Ye Ole Piano Put Out to Pasture as Shelving

Simply elegant! This hanging shelf work sings with harmony! Those are some fine notes on the wall! This baby is truly grande!

10. Spoons Into Lamp

This one is more complicated, yet one of the most gorgeous repurposing concepts ever created. Who knew that a bunch of plastic spoons would make such a PRETTY hanging lamp!

11. From Bathtubs, Couches!

You may need professional help with this one, however by the looks of it, it would be well worth it. Very sturdy! Attractive! Honest! And brings new meaning to the term “bathing beauty!”

12. The Jimmy Buffet Bag for the Ladies

Stepped on pop top….turned it into a brand new bag! You get a big city look on tiny town budget. This purse is perfect Los Angeles fashionistas who profess to being “green.”

13. O The Bottles of Wine That Light Up Your Life

This rig took some planning, it looks amazing and material costs are low. Now surely since I am no chandelier dealer, this one of kind chandelier would retail at the high end because of originality, time and skills required to make it fully functional. Of course it might last forever and would cast not limelight but the wine-light!

14. From Television/CRT/Monitor To An Undersea World

We’ve aquariums like this before, however, the never get old because of the oddity. Talk about live broadcasting.

15. Animate This Glove

I will never look at a single glove alone by itself the same way again. How a glove gets re-engineered into a chipmunk I’ll never know. How Cute! Adorable! Ebay auction starting price $1 (lol). Our answer to designer dolls!

16. A Wheel Wall Watch

This one has perfect design elements and might win the simplicity award. This object d art would work well anywhere time is of the essence.

17. First A Bike Then a Sink

This one is hilarious because when you first look at it, you laugh instinctively. Truly creative. This one gets the best imagination award. A biking win for any bathroom.

18. Organizing One Paper Roll At a Time

This get the following awards. The “Solve a Problem,” award. The “Squeeze One More Use Out of It” award. The “Acutely Organized,” Award. And finally, the “I’ll Be Damned What Will They Think Of Next! award.

19. Bagels Need Holders Too

This is just great. Too obvious! Why didn’t I think of that…..wait don’t answer that!

20. Wall Wrenches?

Well they are wrenches. These wrenches are on the wall. But what for? As hangers! To install locate your studs with your stud finder. That way those heavy wrench hooks can hold heavy objects like a Navy Peacoat or a book bag full of textbooks.

21. Ye Ole Oil Lamp From A Light Trick!

I have no clue how they did this, however, they did a wonderful job. In fact, this gets the “Truly Wonderful” award. Wonderful in that the bulb’s first life was electricity based and now it is powered off the grid.

22. The Mac Goes Postal

For a computer case to be used in this manner is pure blasphemy! Just kidding….this a real easy way to replace a mailbox that has been smashed by vandals. This one gets the “Boring But Important” award.

23. Picks For Guitar Always Get Lost

Since I sideline as a guitar player this interests me the most. A smart invention only slightly innovative. Just goes to show that you do not always need to innovate a lot but just enough. This gets “My Personal Favorite'” award because of its usefulness and practical application in my life. Never be without a guitar pick again!

24. Hole In A Fence No More With This Glass Bead Decor

Very pretty. Very Angelic. Very pleasing. This gets the “Easiest To Do” award.

25. Putting Tea Lights Out

The “Practical” Award. The “Why Spend More Money Doing It Another Way,” award.

26. A Child’s Table From A Child’s Toy

Considering that I have an issue with skateboards that can not be discussed in this blog, suffice to say this is the best use of a skateboard that I have ever seen! Therefore, “The Best Use of Some Old Something” award.

27. From Bottle To Lamp

This gets the “How Did They Do That?” award. Also, this invention gets the “First Class in Taste” award.

28. Ye Ole Piano Into a Fountain Trick

Steps here are: 1) remove piano “guts;'” 2)replace with plumbing, 3)add flowers to taste

29. A Purse That is For Coins

This might be a stretch but it works! And why not? This gets the “Always Better To Reuse Rather Than Recycle'” Award

30. A Chrumdelier

For some reason, I feel sorry for those drums. That is all I have to say about this one. If you would like more information on how to reuse or recycle your electronics, including your computers please contact us here.

Getting Your Business To Green

Chris Rodinis — Tue, 02 Jul 2013 20:08:54 +0000

Chris Rodinis

www.fastcompany.com

Ask Dupont? Ford? Or do it yourself? Thankfully enough information about sustainability is available to those who seek it. This article is a small compilation of things you can do to make your business more green. The pursuit of green is its own reward, however, businesses undertaking the greening process usually find that they save money and may even turn out a better after greening has been achieved. The accidental beneficial effects of going green or the serendipity of green will be discussed in another post.

Perhaps your company is not as big as Dupont or Ford, but if they can go from many million pounds of trash to zero waste, then we all should be able to. And lets have fun in the process, for me the idea of zero waste is exciting, just think no more trash! Now, instead of trash what you are handling are opportunities to green. Before I list some ways to green, here is a stat from Greenpeace: 4,000 tons of e-waste are created in the world every hour.

If General Mills products are generally satisfying, now however, their waste stream is even more satisfying to the shareholders, as they cleanly burn it to power generators. Dupont duplicated this by making landscaping stones and other products from their waste. In both case, not only did they save money by avoiding transport and fees, they made money from the sale of their recycled waste! The takeaway here for small biz is to be creative and figure out a way to compost what’s in your dumpster and turn the rest into recycling for whatever small change you can get for it!

Green Opportunities Everywhere

Back to the 4,000 tons of e-waste stat; if that is not an insatiable appetite for technology I don’t know what is. Thankfully many large manufacturers of electronics have take back programs. E-waste is laden with toxins and precious metal. Often it can even be reused as a donation or for parts. In any case, how about your biz? If you make things or sell things, perhaps you could offer a new form of after the sale service which would mean making your customers aware of how they should recycle or reuse your stuff when they are done with it and if possible even help them do it. So you made the sale and now you have an opportunity to continue interacting with the customer for a greater period of time which should bring you more biz!

Anything to do with music and going green is always a positive note. Concert goers at the Austin City Limits Music Festival not only enjoyed the music, they did it without polluting because the promoter did a complete makeover in green down to every detail including cups and hand soap.
Right now stop and take a long look around your work space; do you consume materials that are not green? Look at your biz more organically and make the green changes as soon as possible.

Who is your favorite sports team? Are they as green as their uniforms? The NFL franchise from Philadelphia has undertaken greening its business. Perhaps you can start an online petition at change.org to help your favorite sports team go green.

Never Stop Greening

If you are a product producing company then there may be an opportunity to redesign the product so less packaging is used. Also the source of your supply materials could be scrutinized for greenness. If your process ingredients are green then there is a good chance your product will be to.

Is your biz growing so fast you need a new building? Lease one that is green, buy one that is green or design and make one that is! Got solar power? thats green. Does your cleaning service use green supplies? Everywhere we look there seems to be opportunity to be green, greener or the greenest. Be green or die. Green is smart, healthy and may even pay more. Walmart gives the best shelf space to its greenest vendors so let that inspire you.

Telecommuting is a popular way to be green. Telecommuting metrics add up. Save on gas, time, stress, wear and tear and increase your productivity at the same time. Companies save on real estate costs and carbon emissions. Find opportunities to telecommuting and your business will be more green. As long as we are on the subject some companies will even help employees pay for a green hybrid car with as much or more than 10% of the purchase price. Do you a fleet of vehicle that is not green? The SBA could perhaps help you with “get greener” financing. If you need an electronics recycling company, you may contact:
www.EwasteWiz.com

10 Steps to Ending Ewaste-a-holism

Chris Rodinis — Tue, 25 Jun 2013 18:54:38 +0000

10 Steps to Ending Ewaste-a-holism

Chris Rodinis

This is a “10 step guide” to ending E-waste. It is based on the 12 step guide from the widely known Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) program. I believe that any sort of change for the good is worth considering, and therefore, trying an old but proven formula is not necessarily a bad idea!
Furthermore, perhaps coining a new term such as “Electronics Anonymous,” might create some buzz.

Each step begins with an idea from this link. Then I will attempt to make a positive analogy that is not feared based. The idea is to begin with virtuous behaviour in mind and then find incentives that reward a change for the better.

Here is a definition of E-waste from Wikipedia:

“Electronic waste” may be defined as discarded computers, office electronic equipment, entertainment device electronics, mobile phones, television sets and refrigerators. This definition includes used electronics which are destined for reuse, resale, salvage, recycling, or disposal.

Others define the re-usables (working and repairable electronics) and secondary scrap (copper, steel, plastic, etc.) to be “commodities”, and reserve the term “waste” for residue or material which is dumped by the buyer rather than recycled, including residue from reuse and recycling operations.

Because loads of surplus electronics are frequently commingled (good, recyclable, and non-recyclable), several public policy advocates apply the term “e-waste” broadly to all surplus electronics. Cathode ray tubes (CRT) are considered one of the hardest types to recycle.

There has been enough commentary on the ubiquitous problem of E-waste and how to process it so let’s start with the premise that a possible solution is for all businesses and consumers to take part in a simple program that could cause meaningful change.

Begin at the beginning

First Step
We admit we are powerless over technology and gadgets
and that our lives in this regard have become unmanageable.

Ok I give up. I surrender. I capitulate. Why? I have empirical evidence in that we all have observed this behaviour: “texting while driving” !!! ??? to paraphrase the tech set…WTF?

More evidence? The compulsions of “early adopters” and those obsessed with the latest gadget, app, or combination of the two; witness overnight campers the night before an Iphone launch!

Enough said. Most players in this arena are hoarders of their old electronics because statistically, as a matter of fact, we only recycle about one quarter of all electronics sold. This fact alone speaks to all of us that a change in behaviour only means something good which is a sustainable future!

Step Two
Believing “a power” greater than ourselves
could restore us to sanity

To understand this concept all you have to do is say to yourself “what if?” Since we are speaking about addiction to electronics perhaps remembering basics morals of living without greed, envy and jealousy is a good start.

Since I am no saint, I admit this can be difficult. However, it begins with not making unnecessary value judgements. Faith and doubt are different sides of the same coin. One does not exist without the other. Might as well expect a miracle because that seems way better that expecting something bad. Eleanor Roosevelt said it best: “ Why stay in the dark when you can light a candle?”

Step Three
One day at time….stop fantasizing about the future gadget or app.
Start the day believing “I want what I have” and I can reuse or recycle whatever electronics
I don’t really need.

Here, the guiding principle, “values of virtue,” applies so leave it at that. This is simply being aware of daily choices and how these choices always have consequences. According to what I have read this step leads to a richer, more fulfilling and meaningful life….(who knew?)

Step Four
Make an inventory list! This helps with insurance claims too!
The more difficult task is a moral inventory. If this is not difficult it is at least heavy

Think of this: start with the end in mind. The process of this step is brutal self examination looking into the reasons why we are addicted to technology. The goal is to clearly see weaknesses so the path to modifying behaviour opens like a hiking trail with painted stripes on the trees!

Step Five
A public confession! Well not exactly. For our purpose think of this as karma.
Or what goes around comes around. In other words by means of karma we are
all held accountable for all of our actions as well as all of our words.

I would say for those of us with technology addiction, that becoming a voice for E-waste ecology would be a step in the right direction. Sharing your personal E-waste ecology with your friends and family would be a good start!

From AA Doctrine to EA Doctrine!

Step Six and Step Seven
First we realize we are ready, willing and able to change from being a tech rat
to a savvy and balanced participator in E-waste ecology.
Second, knowing we are ready, we ask the cosmos for guidance.

How do you ask the cosmos for guidance? Easy. Stay humble. Believe in humility. Humility is the key to teachability and an open mind to the truth according to AA doctrine. When we can bring our minds to this state we are well on our way to recovery from addiction to technology. So this too can be part of the the new EA doctrine.

Step Eight and Step Nine
Make a list of all your possessions that are reducible, reusable, and recyclable!
Make arrangements so that you are capable of reducing, reusing and recycling everything.

This differs from AA on specifics, however, the spirit and intent is similar. Perhaps you have ignored loved ones because of a video game addiction. So first make note of any offenses that you have committed. Second apologize to that person. Perhaps offer them help with their reducing, reusing and recycling! If you need to recycle electronics you are welcome to contact: www.EwasteWiz.com

A Final Word

Step Ten
If you can’t be right or talk right all the time at least be aware enough to “catch yourself”
When you do “catch yourself” apologize immediately to all concerned.

What comes to mind here is the marching orders for World War II allied forces. My father-in- law who fought in the Battle of the Bulge said all soldiers orders were to stay alive and keep moving.
So in life we can stay more alive by reducing, reusing, and recycling and thereby have a dual purpose of moving and growing sustainably into the future!

Reusing Beats Recycling Everytime

Chris Rodinis — Tue, 18 Jun 2013 17:17:16 +0000

stack of phonebooks

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Chris Rodinis

www.fortune.com

http://www.5minutesformom.com/47263/5-ways-to-reuse-old-phone-books/

A very successful outdoor clothing company named Patagonia has an unconventional marketing message: “Do not buy our garments unless you really need them and when you do make a purchase of one of our new garments you should donate or reuse the old used garment.”

How simple is that? This makes sense for the environment, the customer and for Patagonia. Why? Patagonia is a private company that is not all about the money. Patagonia is a true industry leader that sets an example about the importance of knowing your purpose in life. Life’s purpose for us is not just to make money, though that is necessary in a modern world; its purpose is much, much, much, bigger than making money. To Patagonia, its purpose is to benefit human beings and the earth as much as possible with “right action.”

Right action for Patagonia is to reduce its carbon footprint where possible, use raw materials that are environmentally friendly and to not to grow fast but to grow smart. That means all corporate actions are scrutinized for their ergonomic and environmental impact. They truly get it when we say: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. The actions of their marketing department prove it.

The best way to reduce is to not buy it unless you absolutely need it. Reducing is simple to understand and more difficult to practice, even though reducing is just common sense.

Reusing, however, requires a more thoughtful approach. If you use your imagination there are infinite possibilities to reuse. In the case of e-waste, used computers, end of life technology and asset recovery, there is an opportunity to donate for charitable reasons. Then there is also the opportunity to redeploy the used components inside the equipment, which is usually an economic win-win for all concerned.

Since there are so many ways to explain the benefits of reuse, let’s just take them one by one. For industry, companies and corporations just being able to identify what you can reuse is a great start. Once identified and acted upon, the companies will probably get a public relations lift because green initiatives get noticed nowadays. True too is that employee morale would get a lift in having a greater sense of meaning and achievement. Typically, a company’s “reuse” standards will also reduce a company’s carbon emissions; which, based on evidence, is correct corporate diligence.

Reuse Plans Pay

Corporate “re-use awareness” pays off in dollars and cents too. The return on investment for typical information technology purchases is calculated using various metrics. One easy fact to understand is that you get more bang for your buck when you reuse at the end of the IT life-cycle.

We all know about green and being sustainable. So being aware of the relative value of e-waste is important. Scientifically speaking when it comes to sustainability of everything and anything, guess what has the most value? Yes, its the e-waste. Scientifically speaking guess what is the most dangerous? Right again, e-waste. The danger exists because of the toxic waste and hazardous materials released while disassembling and processing the used electronic equipment. So by reusing before recycling we have less risk.

A careful plan in IT asset management means when the life-cycle is over the computers will be removed from their current location. With awareness these assets can be reallocated. They can be re-allocated back into to service with a business, person or institution. This reallocation not only stops e-waste dumping into landfills, it creates a new purpose for the machine which in turn enhances tangible and intangible benefits to one’s that need it.

One of the most popular types of reuse is donating used equipment. Throughout the country many states and municipalities give tax breaks and other monetary incentives to businesses that donate. Not only would the bean counters be happy about this, but more importantly, the community located around the company holds it in higher esteem for its support.

Since the days of Teddy Roosevelt, Americans have always practiced the conservation of energy and natural resources. Besides reducing, there is no better way to practice conservation than reusing. Compared to manufacturing and compared to recycling, reusing demands less raw materials, less natural resources, and less power from the grid.

When comparing reusing to other methods of disposal, reusing wins hands down. Reusing is more environmentally friendly than anything other than reducing. By reusing, companies cause less pollution of all types and put less demand on the world’s raw material resources.

Remember too that Zero Waste initiatives are real and exist for a reason. Landfills everywhere are near capacity. Local populations are against building new landfills where they are needed. The EPA is on top of this and has recognized reusing as a way of diminishing carbon emissions and therefore an important element in abating the sustained and increased warming of our planet.

Is Reuse Part of Your IT Asset Plan?

Purely from a benevolent point of view, companies have been altruistic in the past when donating computers. This form of re-purposing computers for emerging markets is a big help in places where new computers are too expensive. This form of reuse is the most noble.

Promoting the idea of reuse is not new. In fact, until recently everybody practiced reuse of everything for obvious reasons. If the “reuse” market or the popularity of reuse declines for any reason that would be bad news for the environment and humans. When reusing old electronics is less popular, landfills would overfill with toxic substances and hazardous waste.

Reuse creates jobs and can be a focal point of job development for have-not youths and physically challenged persons with limited job prospects. “Jobs” are buzzword nowadays so any help there is very much appreciated by all citizens of this great land.

The economics of reuse are clearly defined. Buying used is less costly than buying new.Some used Dell or Hp computers that are refurbished are very much in demand because for some IT departments they are more reliable than new and cost 30% to 40% less!

Conservation is in the national interest. A well known fact is that 80% of a computer’s carbon footprint is generated in the manufacturing of it. These are relevant things to know. Reusing uses significantly less resources. Reusing generates significantly less pollution and less waste. This means less used computers going to landfills and less incinerated waste into the atmosphere.

Indeed the community at large benefits from reuse. Reusing and due diligence do go hand in hand for institutions, companies and private individuals because of the simple logic of saving money and the environment at the same time.

For more information on electronic or computer recycling please visit: