Where were you when the lights went out? That was a question posed often by the news media back in 1977 following the New York City blackout that left more than 9 million people in the dark. Similar words were uttered when there was a significant disruption of electrical power impacting 25 million people in the U.S. and Canada during the Northeast Blackout of 1965.
Millions of people from around the world are expected to express their commitment to the global environment this Saturday, March 27, at 8:30 p.m. local time, through a relatively simply act. They plan to turn off their lights for an hour.
The annual Earth Hour event represents the profound belief that by working together, individuals around the globe can make a statement and make a difference.
One of the job functions I most enjoy is interfacing with our electronics recyclers. We communicate often, and have actually enjoyed our many e-waste conversations. One day recently, I was discussing with one of them the feasibility of CRT monitor recycling. Shortly after our discussion, he was sent a Basel Action Network (BAN) press release about the case involving nine containers of CRT display devices sent back to the U.S. by Indonesia. You’ve likely read about it: Indonesia Turns Back Illegal Shipment of E-waste from USA 'Recycler'.
I didn’t have GM come running to sell me their emblem, so I guess I'll have to wait to help save that industry (see Maybe I Should Rent Auto Brand Emblems). But if pre-owned computers have a place in this world, what place would that be?
During a recent return flight from the west coast, I started thinking about you, dear reader. I got to thinking about how, for over a year and a half now, I’ve been sharing my thoughts about IT asset management here in periodic installments.
The other day I received a targeted email relating pre-owned automobiles to pre-owned computers and laptops. The more I thought about it, the more the thought interested me, especially after a call from one of our customers.
Through this forum, we hope to raise awareness of the issues and challenges inherent in managing IT equipment to the highest standards of financial, social and environmental responsibility. We welcome you to join the dialogue. Learn more»
