Green Maven - Find Green Websites Quickly

Although specialized search engines abound on the Web, Green Maven is the first engine specifically tailored to generate search results only from "green" Web sites. Aside from searches of green sites, Green Maven also offers a Green News Reader which pulls postings from green blogs and other green news sources. Finally, if you don't want to use the search engine, the Green Maven Directory is set up in categories so you can easily browse (by topic) the sites indexed in their search engine.

So next time you are looking for that perfect computer recycling site or a source for compost supplies, head over to Green Maven.

Recycling Technology - Dispose of Broken Computing Devices Responsibly

Here's a catchy little tune called the Dead iPod song. It describes what to do with your iPod when it inevitably dies.



Many companies now have recycling programs. Apple has an iPod and cell phone recycling program which provides you with a free (they pay the postage) way to send in your broken iPods and cell phones for environmentally responsible disposal. Dell's recycling program always provides free recycling for Dell branded products. And if you buy a new Dell system and select free recycling at the time of purchase, Dell will even recycle your old computer and monitor for free even if it isn't a Dell product.

Discussion Questions for Students:
1) Do you have any broken computing devices at home? How are you planning on disposing of them?
2) Have you ever thrown an old computing device in the regular trash? What impact do you think this had on the environment?
3) HANDS-ON ACTIVITY: Search the Web for technology recycling programs in your area that accept old computers and monitors. Are there limitations on what types of devices they accept? Is there a charge to the consumer for recycling?

PCs Made From Corn?

Disposing of e-waste from computers and other electronics is rapidly becoming a worldwide problem. Many parts of computers, especially the plastic components, are not readily biodegradable. Environmentally conscious manufacturers, such as Fujitsu, are exploring renewable resource options for computer components.

At the CES 2008 trade show Fujitsi unveiled a notebook computer with a case made of a corn-based polymer as instead of the usual plastics derived from petroleum products. Fujitsu states that the main component of the case is "polylactic acid, also known as PLA, a resin that comes from the fermentation of the raw biomass from plants. PLA by itself is biodegradable, does not generate dioxin when burnt, or other harmful gases." The video below discusses the notebook.



Discussion Questions for Students:
1) Have you ever bought a computer or electronic device because it was manufactured in an environmentally friendly fashion? How important was this in your purchase decision?
2) Do you know what environmentally hazardous substances are contained in your current computer? Are any of these present: Lead, mercury, cadmium and brominated flame retardants? Why do these substances pose hazards?
3) Where can you go locally to ensure that your discarded electronic equipment is properly disposed of or recycled? What questions should you ask before handing over your equipment?

You can find plenty of information on the EPA's site.