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TL11.4FALL2004_singles GGrreeaatt ssiitteess ttoo eexxpplloorree iiff yyoouu wwaanntt ttoo kknnooww mmoorree Canada's E-waste problem needs a cleanup www.interconsolutions.com/ computer_dealer.htm It isn't easy being green Complex compo- sition of PC components, home electron- ics makes disposal a growing crisis www.hubcanada.com/story_10806_35 Schoolnet Article - Computers to Africa scheme criticised globalcn.tc.ca/pipermail/aflug/ 2003-May/000268.html Product Take Back / Recycling Program - Canada www.ibm.com/ibm/environment/ products/ptb_canada.shtml CBC MARKETPLACE: Environment » High-Tech Trash www.cbc.ca/consumers/market/files/ environ/hitech_trash/ old_computers.html Ten Tips for Donating a Computer www.microsoft.com/Education/ TenTips.aspx ❚ 32 Ontario School Library Association into secondary products that have to be dis- posed of eventually. The final solution will be to have the OEMs (the original equipment manufacturers) bear the responsibility for the materials they choose to use, and for designing construction methods which allow easy dismantling. We're not there yet, though there is political action to require an OEM "take-back" clause or to build a recy- cling fee into the initial purchase cost. What can you do to help? Please choose to be proactive; ◆◆ verify that your local solid waste authority contracts the recycling of the techno waste stream with a North American recycler who follows BASEL conventions and Health & Safety regulations, ◆◆ ask questions of your local school board/organization about how the large scale techno-trash is handled and whether a "take-back" clause is required, ◆◆ recycle your home computer "basement dinosaurs", dead cell phones and old elec- tronic equipment with your local recycler and pay the fee if you have to. ◆◆ support OEMs which are moving to less toxic products, even if the products cost a bit more. As you move forward with new technology, be sure you can look back with a clear conscience.