Re: [SLUG] Reuse or Recycle Your Old Computer

[Edwin Humphries]

Surely it rather depends on what the intended use of the old computer is?
I've heard of using old computers as routers, NAS boxes and so on, and 
whilst I applaud the idea of extending useful life, using a 75-100W PC 
to do the job of a 10-15W router is hardly energy efficient - or cost 
effective.

Regards,
Edwin Humphries
Mobile: 0419 233 051


On 03/02/14 15:40, Jason Ball wrote:
On Mon, Feb 3, 2014 at 2:29 PM, James Linder <j...@tigger.ws> wrote:

On 3 Feb 2014, at 10:48 am, Jason Ball <ja...@ball.net> wrote:

Your old computer uses much more energy than a new one. Powering the
beast creates much more CO2 than the new ones and save the environment
(sic) causes much more harm than
binning it (hopefully decently)
Prove it.  Please include the carbon cost of the new machine, shipping
etc, while you are at it.
Cheers.


On Mon, Feb 3, 2014 at 1:07 PM, James Linder <j...@tigger.ws> wrote:

Computers and mobile devices become obsolete much quicker than other
consumer products, such as refrigerators and cars. Electronic equipment can
contain toxic and valuable materials which should not be simply put into
landfill. Before you buy a new computer, tablet or phone, look at the
options of what to do with the old one. Tom Worthington is author of the
free ebook "ICT Sustainability: Assessment and Strategies for a Low Carbon
Future": http://www.tomw.net.au/ict_sustainability/introduction.shtml
Tom just for fun (well not really, but for a consider this)

Your old computer uses much more energy than a new one. Powering the
beast creates much more CO2 than the new ones and save the environment
(sic) causes much more harm than binning it (hopefully decently)

Jason and Margharita

I'm not standing on my soapbox, just encouraging our younger members to
think through the implications of their actions, rather than being swayed
by the warm and fuzzy hype.
I think that slug collects the best and finest and that issues like this
are oh so important, specially before one gets old and cynical.
The kudos flow from doing something, rather than being seen to do
something.
So while this drifts OT it is really really important and the opinions of
Jason, Margharita et al are really really important too.
James


It was more the falacious argument 'your old computer uses much more energy
than a new one' where I said 'prove it'.   I shouldn't have responded so
briefly.

A UN analysis (reference pending) has put the carbon cost of a 'desktop pc'
at ~250KG.  This is difficult to truly quantify as the cost of components
and shipping etc will vary.  A modest desktop PC can chew through 55KG of
carbon a year, 35KG for smaller systems.   On a worst case, buy a new PC
every year for three (3) years and burn > 800KG of carbon, or keep your pc
for three (3) years and burn ~285KG, keep it for an additional three years
and your carbon burn is an additional 105KG assuming moderate use (35KG)
for all calculations.

There are many reasons to upgrade, the 'your old computer uses much  more
energy than a new one' is not one of them.  If you are buying a new PC then
picking an energy efficient system and leaving all the power saving
features enabled is a good idea.  Just don't kid yourself that buying a new
PC is good for the environment.

As you said, my 'opinion', with a little fact added in ;)

I'm afraid I can't find the UN study for the above, apologies as I've run
out of time.  Unfortunately without the supporting facts it makes this a
fallacious argument as well :/

Cheers
Jason.








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