This short documentary identifies how e-waste is handled by workers in India. Circuit boards are melted over open burners and copper cables are cleaned in vats of acid while workers handle the toxic materials without any protective gloves or masks. Piles of PVC wiring are burned in public fields while nearby children play under the noxious fumes.
It’s proven that exposure to such materials causes devastating affects on the workers’ health. Heavy metals like Lead and Mercury affect the nervous system and are especially dangerous to children. Cadmium affects kidneys, while other organic chemical byproducts can affect hormones and the neurological system.
Piles of e-waste are sent to India because the reclamation costs are so low there. While recycling a computer in the United States or Europe costs around $20, the same process in India costs only a couple dollars. Low labor costs and high profit margins in India attract hazardous materials from around the world. However, the enormous cost savings is tragically jeopardizing the health of those handling the materials.
This video demonstrates why such reclamation processes need to be better regulated. Here at eCycleGroup, our products are processed domestically by reputable companies dedicated to high-quality re-fabrication procedures. We create merchandise that is comparable with original equipment while keeping e-waste out of landfills. (please click the MORE link to watch the video). (more…)
As the 2010 Winter Olympics draw to a close and athletes from around the world count up their Bronze, Silver, and Gold medals, it is also important to honor the planners of the great event with their own “Green” medal for making the 2010 Vancouver games one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable Olympic games ever.
As reported at the British Columbia Renewable Energy Blog, The David Suzuki Foundation awarded the Vancouver Olympics with a bronze medal for its “climate scorecard.” The Vancouver-based foundation lauded Olympic organizers for creating innovative and energy-efficient venues which use clean hydroelectric energy as well as waste heat from refrigeration systems, landfill methane, and ground-source heat pumps.
“We feel like we’ve raised the bar,” said Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson. “Some of these technologies will be a legacy for generations to come, that will benefit cities all over the world.” Such eco-friendly concerns come naturally to 45-year-old former organic farmer, who earlier ran the Happy Planet juice company, and whose primary form of transportation is a well-used mountain bike.
Grouse Mountain, Vancouver’s most visited attraction (drawing more than a million visitors annually) constructed its very own 1.5 megawatt wind turbine. Dubbed “The Eye of the Wind,” this 213-foot tower was installed this winter and was fully operational in time for the Olympics. The force of the wind will spin the blades to speeds as high as 160 mph at their tips, and is expected to offset up to 25 percent of the Grouse Mountain’s annual operational electricity needs.
Offsetters estimates the 2010 Winter Games will create 118,000 tons of carbon emissions directly attributable to the 2010 Winter Games through venue construction, facility heating, and athlete travel. Additionally, the site estimates the event will produce 150,000 tons of ‘indirect’ emissions from flights and accommodation for spectators, media, corporate sponsors and their partners. Visitors to the event can offset their carbon footprint while attending the Games by purchasing offsets at the venue. Eco-minded Olympics fans around the world can purchase one ton of carbon offsets for $25 (Canadian dollars) at the Offsetters site and receive a commemorative certificate and a special limited edition Offsetters 2010 pin. (more…)
When watching fashion models stroll down the runway, besides asking “What on Earth is she wearing?” many a viewer wonders how they are able to walk in “those heels.” Depending on the designer, shoe styles may range from strappy and shiny to anteater-type ankle booties or skyhigh ankle-threatening platforms.
As a matter of fact, it can be quite difficult to sashay effortlessly down a glossy runway and stay footed like a mountain goat.
This week marks the beginning of Lent, a period of 40 days of penance and reflection in which many Christians prepare for the coming of Easter. The week typically begins with feasting at Mardi Gras (Fat Tuesday) parties as people celebrate eating richer, fatty foods before the ritual fasting of the Lenten season.
Ash Wednesday officially begins the season as many faithful receive blessed ashes on their foreheads symbolizing the confession and penitence of the day. The remaining days of Lent are symbolic of the 40 days of temptation that Jesus spent in the wilderness following his baptism.
According to the Journal Gazette/Times Courier “In addition to special worship services, Christians generally observe Lent with acts of introspection, self-examination, and repentance for one’s sins.” Some may fast or give up something (e.g., a food or an activity) during the time of Lent. Others spend the 40 days in prayer, practicing special devotions, or volunteering for various charities. (Technically, the time period between Ash Wednesday and Easter is 46 days, but Sundays don’t count, as each is considered to be a ‘mini-Easter.’)
This year, Reuters reports, “Church leaders are encouraging people to give up their iPods for Lent, instead of more traditional vices such as chocolate, to help save the planet.”
What a great idea! The Bishop of London, Richard Chartres, and the Bishop of Liverpool, James Jones, are calling it a “technology fast,” and are suggesting that people give up such devices as mobile phones or iPods as a way to cut carbon emissions during Lent.
“Instead of giving up chocolate for Lent, why not fast for justice … to help those suffering from the effects of climate change,” said Jones. “There is no climate justice for the poor. The Carbon Fast helps us change the way we live; the Climate Justice Fund helps the poor adapt to a changing climate.” (more…)
This man’s home built of Budweiser cans is the envy of his friends and neighbors. It’s eco-friendly and great-looking — until his visitors discover the cans are not empty!
You don’t have to build a house out of cans to show you can be eco-minded!
You can help the environment by recycling your used printer cartridges and cell phones. Your inkjets, toners, and cell phones are worth more than you think!
Why not recycle them at eCycleGroup.com?
According to Wikipedia, Jellyfish are found in every ocean, from the surface to the deep sea. Some jellyfish are also found in fresh water; though freshwater species are less than an inch in diameter, are colorless, and do not sting. The best-known jellyfish are the large, often colorful jellyfish that are common in coastal zones worldwide.
The presence of ocean jellyfish blooms is usually seasonal, responding to prey availability and increasing with temperature and sunshine. There is very little data about changes in global jellyfish populations over time, besides “impressions” in the public memory. Case in point: I remember seeing their bodies on the sands of Redondo Beach, California, during my childhood summers, but can’t remember the last time I saw one as an adult. Scientists have little quantitative data of historic or current jellyfish populations, so any recent speculation about changes in jellyfish populations are based on no actual “before” data. It is known, however, that jellies seem to be flourishing in areas where their natural predators have been thinned by overfishing or water pollution.
Jellyfish are popular displays in aquariums around the world. Often the tank’s background is blue and the animals are illuminated by side light, increasing the contrast between the animal and the background. (In natural conditions, many jellies are so transparent that they are nearly invisible.) The Monterey Bay Aquarium used to have a beautiful jelly exhibit, but it has been closed for more than a year. Fortunately, the aquarium still has an educational online exhibit that showcases photos and videos of dozens of amazingly colorful jellies. (more…)
This short documentary identifies how e-waste is handled by workers in India. Circuit boards are melted over open burners and copper cables are cleaned in vats of acid while workers handle the toxic materials without any protective gloves or masks. Piles of PVC wiring are burned in public fields while nearby children play under the noxious fumes.
