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 PAST ISSUES
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476: Future Wave
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466: Keitai kool
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Green machines

Used PCs are piling up in landfills and ruining ecosystems around the globe, but innovative manufacturing techniques and NGOs are here to save the planet. Hanna Kite reports.

One of the early promises of computers was that they'd promote “paperless” environments and be forces for environmental good. But the toxic brew of plastics, mercury and lead in monitors and motherboards now has many concerned about what happens once the hardware is thrown out. Case in point: The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that each of the 120 million television-like CRT monitors worldwide contain at least a kilo of lead, which, when seeping into the ground from landfills, presents a high risk of permanent damage to the reproductive system, kidneys, and central nervous system.

Thankfully, this hazardous computer trash is being addressed at both ends of the chain. While computer companies strive to make their products more environmentally friendly, NGOs and volunteer groups are passing on older computers to schools and the disabled.

Corn-y computing
Manufacturers have been increasingly developing planet-friendly products for their digital lineups, and the most exciting news is the advent of biodegradable plastics. Instead of tapping into the already shrinking supply of petroleum, plant-based plastic is produced from corn and other starchy greenery. These plastics decompose into harmless water and CO2 when laid to rest in a landfill.

While Fujitsu's FMV-BIBLO notebook (pictured) is already partially made from plant-based plastics, the company promises that, by 2004, the housings of the entire BIBLO line will be 100 percent petroleum free. Robert Pomeroy, Fujitsu's Global PR Manager, says that the cost difference between regular and eco-friendly notebooks will be “negligible.” Meanwhile, Sony has been experimenting in the portable music arena with its plant-based plastic Walkman. The WM-FX202 can be purchased at ABIC, which is located in the basement of the Sony Building in Yurakucho.

Computer developers are setting their sights on other environmental evils, too. Many companies have come up with downloadable or CD-based files to replace their hefty but tree-gobbling user's manuals. Dell has significantly reduced the amount of cardboard in its packaging. And while third-party printer cartridge recycling has been around for years, Canon has now established 3,000 cartridge drop-off locations around the country. Yurakucho's Sofmap houses one of Canon's trademark orange-and-white recycle boxes.

Furthermore, since the EPA claims the most harmful aspect of computers is the production of electricity needed to power them, manufacturers have started to fiddle with energy consumption. In February, IBM successfully launched its Peak Shift ThinkPad series. Peak Shift computers automatically shift to battery power between 1 and 3pm, when energy costs are highest.

The current blight of computers piling up in landfills is no accident. In the '90s, the rapid output of increasingly complex software meant that most machines could only be used for about two years, which meant a “trash the old and purchase the new” mindset. Today, the cycle has been extended to about four to five years, and those slim LCD screens and battery packs will need to be replaced before any software or hardware becomes outdated. Still, the cost to repair or upgrade parts is often higher than investing in a new computer.

“It's a conspiracy alright,” says Sonny Ashimori, a Kansai-based computer expert. “Computer manufacturers intentionally support the disposable cycle. A car lasts for 10 years. Why can't they develop a computer that you can use for 10 years?”

Donating to a worthy cause
In response to the fact that many computers tagged for the junk pile are still fully functioning, volunteer organizations in Japan have started to put them to good use. A high school teacher in Saitama runs one such service. His website is in Japanese, but if you want to donate a computer, and if you can borrow a Japanese speaker for about five minutes, fill out the form at: web.ffn.ne.jp/~kacchin/PCRecycle/pc_kizo.htm. The teacher matches your donation with requests from disabled persons, volunteers or organizations.

The folks at Slash (www.slash.win.ne.jp/bank.html, in Japanese) offer another option. Based in Suginami-ku, Slash runs computer classes for the visually handicapped. The Einstein Project (www.einstien-project.gr.jp/index.html) donates used machines to computer clubs at Japanese schools and encourages students to dissect hard drives. P-nuts, an NGO that totes computers to Nigeria (www.anyidea.info/index-e.html), is developing an English version of their website and accepts email queries in English.

If you would rather sell your old computer, Sofmap, with locations throughout Japan, will give you cash for you old PC. You can even ask them to pick up your old parts. Their web site in Japanese is www.sofmap.co.jp. If you want to visit one of their stores to exchange your old computer, don't forget an ID with a current address. Sofmap stores in Akihabara, Shinjuku, Yurakucho and Yokohama all accept buy-backs and returns. And even if you only get a fraction of what you originally paid for your Mac or PC, you can rest easier knowing that you're helping to cure a sick planet.

Photo courtesy of Fujitsu

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