Thursday, January 29, 2009
Computer Recycling
The word "recycling" has a distinctively positive connotation - when people recycle, they feel as though they're doing something good for the planet and its people, and that they deserve a metaphorical "pat on the back." I learned from the Dell website that all Dell computers, whether laptops or desktops, can be recycled, and that the company encourages such action. There is an entire page on Dell's website devoted to recycling, with the slogan "Free. Easy. Convenient." They outline who to contact to get rid of your old computer and how easy the process is - they will even go to the extent of having someone come to your home to remove and "recycle" your old computer. But what Dell does not touch upon, though, is where the computers go to be recycled and how it happens. We assume that if we recycle, we have automatically done the right thing and do not take the time to question where this seemingly secretive process occurs. It has come to my attention through a video we watched in class today that recycling is not always as carefree as imagined, especially when it comes to recycling computers. With 50% of the world's computers taken to China for recycling, the "e-waste" there is not only unbelievable and outrageous, but dangerous as well. When the screens of computers are smashed to separate the glass, the led inside is released, and contaminates the soil and rivers, thus contaminating the water table and necessitating the shipment of fresh water into the area. This is despicable and should not be tolerated. We must learn to question where and how things are recycled, and not just assume that because they have magically disappeared, we have done the right thing. I am not trying to say that recycling is bad and should be stopped, but it is our responsibility as active citizens to stop and learn more about the recycling process and how it affects others.
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Recycling used computers calls into question the ethics of Dell and their specific reason for utilizing such action. Recycling is assumed to be good for the environment and everyone involved, but it appears that the only reason for Dell’s willingness to recycle is to profit off of consumers that would be drawn to Dell solely based on this platform. It is clear that even if some positive effects occur as a result of recycling the negative health hazards that are created arguably outweigh them. I think it can be generally agreed upon that the lives of many workers in whatever third world country that practices this recycling are more valuable than a slim profit margin that Dell receives as a result. The actual recycling process is not the only thing that should be examined; the motives behind Dell’s actions are more important specifically with regards to the ethical concerns behind their actions.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with Gretchen’s post. I was disturbed by what I saw in the video presented in class. I, along with others, took for granted the idea of a computer being “recycled”. Recycle seems to be like one of the most uplifted words in the “Going Green” world we live in today. But, the way Dell recycles their computers brings a whole new meaning to the word. The place where these computers were recycled, was turned into a landfill and dumpster for Dell’s trash. Seeing these people work in these conditions made you really wonder if recycling a computer is the best option. You had little kids running around and playing in the garbage form where these computers had started to rust. I agree that as a society we need to sit back and look to see what consequences are actions are dealing out. Sometimes do the right thing isn’t doing the right thing.
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