Want not, waste not.

via Bill Westerman

Of the 30 million tons of digital junk, about 70% ends up in poor nations. And increasingly, that garbage ends up in West Africa. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria and Ivory Coast get this garbage through illegal imports. This is called digital garbage by importers of semi new but in fact, 80% of computers that arrive there are outdated and broken.

If such images and information do not compel one to use the technology they have for as long as possible, I don’t know what will. Seriously, go read and look at the rest of the photos. Now! I’ll be here when you get back…

That shiny new phone you want, you don’t want bad enough yet. That system that is getting “a little slow” is not yet slow enough. Even if it is too slow for you, it is more than most of the world could ever dream of having. Seriously, use your technology until it hurts – badly. Because the pain all of this consumption is bringing to a world that is just beyond yours is immeasurable.

Then, when you must (and only when you absolutely must), please make sure you reuse (first preference) or recycle all of your technology in the most humane and responsible way possible. Here are just a few of the possibilities:

• Free Geek – If there is a Free Geek program in your area, consider using it. They are a non-profit organization that will refurbish your electronic equipment and give it new life and use by giving it to those who could not otherwise afford it. Anything they can’t refurbish they recycle according to the strictest standards.

• Best Buy – Best Buy will take up to three electronic items, per household, per day, for responsible recycling. They do this as no charge for most items (those with screens, TVs, monitors, etc. are charged a nominal fee that is refunded on the spot in the form of a Best Buy gift card). I have done this with many items and it’s a pain free, no questions asked, experience.

• Apple – When you buy a new Mac, Apple will take your old computer for recycling for free.