Environment and Sustainability

Environment and Sustainability

1. Recycling by re-using computers

   • Computer aid international
     • Wipes date off donated computers, refurbishes them, then passes them on to charities in the deverloping world.
   • Pass older models across the digital divide to those who dont have computers
     • The digital divide is an economic inequaltiy between groups restricted to the access of ICT
   • IT schools Africa
   • Recycle-it
   • Better for the environment than recyling and helps to reduce the digital divide

2. Recycling equipment

   • Computers, DVD players and TV's contain harmful materials
     • Classified as hazardous waste
       • Hazardous waste must be taken to a special waste disposal sites
   • Deskjet/laser catridges
   • Batteries

3. Using ICT and considering the environment

   • Recyclen hardware
     • Reduce greenhouse gases
   • Print preview file before printing
     • Saves paper
   • Reduce the number of print outs
   • Switch off computers rather than left on standby
   • Work from home to reduce traffic congestion & pollution
   • Recycle printer cartridges
   • Recyle mobile phones

4. How ICT can help the environment

   • More efficient environmental control
     • e.g. Heating our homes
   • Satellite navigation systems
     • Less fuel used if not lost
   • Traffic management systems
     • e.g. coordinating traffic lights to keep traffic moving
   • Pollutioon monitoring systems
     • e.g. Rivers, lakes and air

5. ICT in rich and poor communities

   • Widened the gap between the haves and have nots
   • ICT in essential to a prosperous country
   • Needs for a good ICT system
     • Reliable energy supply Good equipment & money to maintain it Trained staff
   • Poor countries dont have reliable electricity supplies or telecommunications, so can't benefit from ICT
   • ICT improves...
     • Skills, cheaper goods online, learning online, jobs, world wide news Owning credit/debit cards is not common in the developing world These are needed to buy goods off the internet

6. Benefits and drawbacks

   • Student in Africa
     • Benefits
       • Better job prospects Training using computers PC skills Access to resources to help aid their learning
     • Drawbacks
       • Wont receive up-to-date equipment May be slow and hinder learning Dont have a reliable energy supply Computers wont always work