Disposing of unwanted electronics by recycling is one step in a positive direction, but considering a product’s over all green potential before buying is even better.  Fortunately, we have some great resources at hand for bringing some green forethought to our purchases.

EPEAT is a global, environmental attributes ranking system whose mark we will come to recognize like we now recognize Energy Star products:

“Desktops, laptops and monitors that meet 23 required environmental performance criteria may be registered in EPEAT by their manufacturers in 40 countries worldwide.” epeat.net

While you are listing out specifications for your new computer, you can now factor in EPEAT’s rankings of Bronze, Silver, or Gold for meeting green standards.

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Options for recycling technology and office items seems to just be getting easier.  In NYC especially, the commitment to cultivating everyman’s consciousness about how and where to dispose of defunct or dried up technology is showing up in local green markets and friendly, easily found websites.

In a previous post, I mentioned NYC’s Take It Back program where retailers take back rechargable batteries, cell phones, and other small electronic items.  There’s more!

You can recycle your ink and toner cartridges, which is fairly common knowledge, at Staples.  But the Take It Back program exists for compact fluorescent light bulbs, Brita Water Filters, and packaging material,  and more.  Have you set up a recycling station for these items in your office?

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Recycling your computer or cell phone (aka rechargeable batteries) in NYC is very easy,  all it takes is a conscious commitment on your part (ie: remembering to take it with you when you’re headed out the door).

“All NYC stores that sell rechargeable batteries or products that contain rechargeable batteries (with the exception of small food stores) must accept up to ten batteries of the same shape and size as they sell.“  NYC Take It Back Recycling

That’s easy because most of us live by a pharmacy, a wireless provider, or within a reasonable distance to a Staples store.   Most of these retailers participate in  “Take It Back” programs for cell phones and accessories, too.

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