Consumer Electronics And The Environment

(HIT) - Innovative consumer electronics products have had a tremendous impact on almost every aspect of our lives. But, there’s one place where electronics products should have no impact—our environment.

In recognition of its role, the consumer electronics industry is working to reduce energy consumption in the products it produces, and is increasing use of recycled and recylable materials in the manufacture of electronics products. The industry is also working with government entities to increase awareness of the need for responsible use, reuse and recycling of electronics products by consumers.

The Consumer Electronics Association (CEA) has contributed to the effort by launching a website intended to serve as a resource guide for consumers. MyGreenElectronics.org is being developed as a "one stop" consumer resource for electronics recycling, information about electronics' energy consumption and eco-friendly purchasing opportunities. The new website is organized by what the CEA refers to as the four "R’s" of environmental responsibility:

Reduce Energy Use – Most new electronics products are more energy efficient than ever. To make products that are smaller and more sophisticated—it's a requirement. But more progress is possible and consumers can help, by turning off electronics equipment that isn’t in use, and by unplugging equipment that won’t be used for extended periods of time to eliminate the trickle of energy used to power clocks and memory.

Reuse Older Electronics Products - Older products can be put to good use. Many charities, community programs and schools are in dire need. What is outmoded to you could be a welcome opportunity to another! Through the eBay Rethink initiative, you can sell, donate, and find more options for recycling your used electronics.

Recycle Unusable Electronics – Many electronics products can be recycled when they’ve reached the end of their useful life. Most used electronics are far too valuable to be thrown away and should be harvested for their raw materials. Visit the MyGreenElectronics.org website for information about corporate recycling programs or to find a recycling drop-off location near you.

Rethink Purchasing Decisions – When shopping for electronics products, take time to learn about smarter, more environmentally-friendly choices. Find electronics products and accessories that use less energy, are made with recyclable and recycled materials and are easier to upgrade, fix and recycle.

"Consumers are clearly in dire need of clear, up-to-date information regarding electronics recycling," says CEA Economist Shawn DuBravac. A recent survey conducted by the Consumer Electronics Association indicates that consumers are largely unaware of their electronics recycling options, with 76 percent of consumers reporting they did not have knowledge of their local recycling programs. Of this group, 71 percent said they were likely to recycle if they knew of a program in their area.

"Consumers would recycle their electronics if only they knew where, when and how," said DuBravac. "While most consumers say they would seek information from the obvious sources such as the newspaper, television, the radio and the Internet, the majority of consumers say they would look for signs in electronics stores."

Plug-In To E-Cycling

Scott Sherman, associate assistant administrator for the Office of Solid Waste and Emergency Response, United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), points to the success of the EPA's Plug-in to E-cycling program as an example of how industry and consumers can work together. Plug-In To eCycling is a campaign to increase the number of electronic devices collected and safely recycled in the United States.

Mr. Sherman presented awards to the program’s corporate partners at the recent International Consumer Electronics Show, held in Las Vegas, Nevada on January 10, 2007. Awards were presented to Best Buy, Cingular, Dell, eBay, Hewlett-Packard, Intel, JVC, NEC, Philips, Panasonic, Samsung, Sharp, Sony, and Staples, who together recycled more than 34 million pounds of electronics in 2006. Dell and Hewlett-Packard received special recognition for their efforts.

"Electronics are made from valuable resources and use energy. As consumers, this presents a tremendous opportunity to positively impact the environment with our individual decisions. With our everyday choices—what we buy, how we use it and what we do with it when we're finished—we can make a difference," said Sherman.

Working together, consumers and companies in the electronics industry can reap the rewards of ongoing electronics innovation, while helping to protect and preserve the environment. For more information about CEA’s efforts, visit the association’s website at www.ce.org. To learn more about EPA's Plug-in to E-cycling program, point your web browser to www.epa.gov/epaoswer/hazwaste/recycle/ecycling/index.htm.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center