Today it is hard to imagine life without a computer, but a UN study shows environmental consequences from the ongoing boom in personal computer sales.
Source: Eurekalert.org
The average desktop system requires 10 times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to make, promting a call for governments worldwide to help slow growth of high-tech trash.
The average 53 lb) desktop computer with monitor requires at least 10 times its weight in fossil fuels and chemicals to manufacture, much more materials intensive than an automobile or refrigerator, which only require 1-2 times their weight in fossil fuels.
Researchers found that manufacturing one desktop computer and 17-inch CRT monitor uses at least 530 lbs of fossil fuel, 50 lbs of chemicals, and 3,330 lbs of water – a total of 1.8 tons of materials – roughly the weight of an SUV.
While computers become smaller and more powerful, their impact on our environment are increasing. The materials- and energy-intense production process, the rise in sales of PCs worldwide, plus the rapid rate at which they are tossed out for newer machines, all add up to growing mountains of garbage and increasingly serious contributions to resource depletion, environmental pollution and climate change.
Government incentives are needed now and worldwide, to extend the life of personal computers and slow the growth of high-tech trash, according to a United Nations University report into the environmental impact of our information technology revolution.
Who knew?
Wonder if Macs are any different?
Anybody got a line on this with Cupertino?
Here is a link that will help:
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