Oh dear, Oh dear. When pondering the matter of this week’s blog post, my mind turned again to all things green and leafy, and for the first time I considered the horrifying possibility that computers may contribute to environmental degradation. Of course, in an attempt assuage my impending guilt, of catholic proportions, I decided that I had to research this matter further and write about it. A form of confession to Mother Nature if you will. 

The first surprise was that while this seems like something of an obscure issue, it is actually one into which extensive research has been carried out, both by the United Nations University and by the Information Technology and Environment Initiative.  The rest of the surprises were less heartening.

The danger that computers pose to the environment is multifaceted. Firstly, there’s the question of the labour and energy-intensive process that goes into their manufacture. Secondly, there are the health concerns associated with the production and the use of computers and finally, there is the dilemma regarding their appropriate disposal.

During their manufacture, computers are responsible for the consumption of ten times their weight in chemicals and fossil fuels. While they are getting lighter and smaller, their manufacture is still an energy and material intensive process. Added to this is the yearly increase in the number of individuals owning PCs as well as the rate at which they become obsolete and are replaced with newer models.

The negative impacts of computers are not limited only to the natural environment; the potential effects on human health are two-fold. Chemical exposure and emissions may have long term effects on those involved in manufacture, as well as communities that border the factories. This is as a result of the toxic materials that are involved in computer manufacture such as brominated flame retardants and lead. The second facet of the health concern is as a result of the disposal of old computers in land fills. Because of the heavy metals that they contain, including lead and mercury, there is a risk of groundwater contamination which poses a considerable risk to entire populations.

Finally, there is the question of disposal. Landfills are full of what is being termed eWaste, in part because technological equipment like computers becomes outdated so quickly and in part because few countries have recycling facilities for these products. Moreover, the recycling of eWaste is also highly energy-intensive, making it a predicament in and of itself.

Because secretly, computers rule the world, we can’t dispose of them altogether (they may revolt and try to eliminate us), what remains is a pressing need to find a solution to this problem. At a micro-level, individuals can attempt to extend the lives of their machines through upgrading them as opposed to replacing them. At a macro level, governments need to implement policy to mitigate impacts on human health

and the environment

.

I, in the meantime, am going to stop threatening my laptop with immediate and violent eradication as a consequence of non-cooperation, and am going to focus my efforts on fostering a loving and mutually beneficial relationship with her. I may also see someone to help me work though my guilt issues. All for the good of the bunnies of course.