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| Solutions for Our Times |
| For further information and to receive complete copies of any of the white papers you see here, Contact Al Uretsky, Managing Partner Estrella Partners Group, LLC Tel.: (623) 594-9283 auretsky@estrellapartners.com |
| Electronic Waste: E-waste Strategies to Augment Business Sustainability By Brigitte Bavousett Associate Partner Introduction Business best practices have encouraged innovation and embraced technological solutions for several decades and will, of course, continue to do so as an ingrained need to persistently improve performance. The vast and varied benefits of electronic technology have been instrumental in increasing business efficiency. Two staples of human enterprise, cell phones and laptops, are inherently toxic and comprised of non-biodegradable components. These popular electronic devices are frequently upgraded with advanced features and replaced in an effort to stay ahead of the competition. What happens to these outdated products, often called electronic waste (e-waste)? What percentages of businesses have activated e-waste management plans? How will businesses meet sustainability compliance as more mandates for effective e-waste management are enacted at city, state, federal and international levels? Prolific advances in high technology have generated cascading implications on the environment, most notably in regards to e-waste. The social, economic and environmental sustainability concerns of e-waste encompass cradle to grave aspects. Initial sustainability strategies include design of components through utilization of more recyclable parts, and upgrading existing equipment through retrofitting. The end-use management concerns of electronic devices often lead us overseas to landfills of e-waste and the intrinsic health concerns for people who attempt to retrieve precious metals from discarded electronics. This white paper will examine the end-use management issues of two of the most popular electronic devices, cell phones and laptops, noting business-consumer (hereafter referred to as consumer) awareness of e-waste whether or not an awareness of e-waste issues prompts behavior modification towards more sustainable e-waste management. Legislative mandates at the city, state, federal and international levels are noted. Conclusions drawn will summarize the need for synergistic e-waste management solutions. |