In
class we discussed that technology is the fastest growing waste
stream on the planet and that the U.S. is one of the largest
contributors to the e-waste.
I believe that our country, at least some companies are taking
responsibility for this and doing the right thing by recycling the
waste properly. I use to work for Best Buy and they have recently
launched their Renew Blue program, which means that customers
can get rid of their old or unwanted appliances and electronics in
several ways. Every U.S. Best Buy store has recycling kiosks, just
inside the front doors, to drop off ink and toner cartridges,
rechargeable batteries, and wires, cords and cables, plastic bags and
gift cards. You can also recycle
in-store at the Customer Service counter. Best
Buy will also remove an appliance or TV free of charge from a
customer's home when a new product is purchased and delivered by Best
Buy. They also can schedule a pickup with no product purchase. With
the program they ensure that your obsolete technologies will be
recycled properly.
I
knew about the issue of e-waste before we talked about it in class
because at Best Buy they make their employees go through a lot of
trainings to learn how to dispose of the unwanted technology
properly. Someone mentioned in class that a way to help cut down on
e-waste was to stop over producing products. I agree with that to an
extent, but if enough products are not produced I think that would
have an equally detrimental effect on the company itself. For
instance, if a new phone came out and you per-ordered it and were so
excited for it, then got a call from the company saying that you
would have to wait another 3 months to get your new phone because
they did not make enough, you would be infuriated. Most people would.
In my experience when we were out of a product and people would only
have to wait a week to get it they still would either go with a
similar product from another company or not buy it at all, at least
from our store. Another way to help would be to stop making obsolete
technology. Best buy still sells portable CD players and VCRs and in
the entire time that I worked there I did not see one person buy one,
yet they are still on the shelves and being produced.
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