Woodwork squeaks and out come the geeks: All of a sudden, e-waste
news is busting out all over.
Wal-Mart, the modest chain of ma-and-pa five-and-dimes
based in Arkansas, is about to start selling a computer it developed in
conjunction with Toshiba. It´s a laptop that complies with Europe´s
stringent hazardous-substance directive. And Wal-Mart will be selling it
at all of its U.S. stores. Despite being under no obligation to
do so.
The
U.S. Postal Service has set its sights on creating a
national recycling program for cell phones and computer printer
cartridges and is looking for partners to do it with.
The
National Solid Wastes Management Association has revised
its e-waste recycling policy and is now urging manufacturers to take the
lead.
In
San Francisco, the city´s board of supervisors last week
officially called on the state of California to require companies whose
products contain toxic substances to foot the bill for the disposal of
those goods.
And a movement is afoot to develop a national certification system
for e-waste recyclers. (But you´ll have to wait to read Waste News
reporter Joe Truini´s story in next week´s print edition for the lowdown
on that.)
Did someone put something in the water? Or maybe there´s a new virus
humming through the wires? Is this not a remarkable convergence of
activity?
Two things I know (I think): All of these moves bode well for the
environment. And none of them will come cheap.
But bottom line, it´s about time. This is medicine we need to take.
For all we know, the current electronics boom will go on forever. So we
do have to start accounting for all of the real costs we´re imposing on
ourselves and the environment via our mania for gadgets.
