[FreeGeek] FG Contingency Meeting: Sunday Sept 16, 2pm

[Paul Teehan]

Hi guys

It is a bad time for me right now, it doesn't look like I can make it.
 I really would like to be there but I have too much other stuff to
do.  I will inject my opinion here as my way of contributing. :-)

i know the search for a recycler was protracted and contentious - but
perhaps it is worth reopening the debate?  if we need cash flow
outside the thrift store, we need to sell our scrap to someone.   in
particular I was looking at genesis recycling's page and if they do
everything they say they do, I can't really imagine anyone better.
given that 36zero was going to give us some money for our scrap,
presumably they would too?

also here is something to chew on.  I've been reading a book called
'High Tech Trash' by Elizabeth Grossman.  there's a link on BAN's
website.  it's a fantastic book for anyone interested in the
environmental impact of high tech.

early on she talks about the raw materials used in computers.  we know
that gold is used extensively (mostly coating connectors and pins).
gold is also fully recyclable, although most of the gold in
electronics (~70%) is 'new'.  you probably have an idea that mining is
not particularly environmentally friendly.  what you might be
surprised to hear is that one ton of discarded PCs contains about as
much gold as 17 tons of gold ore.  if you want to mine gold, it is
more efficient to dig through old PCs than to dig in the ground.

this made me think of the provincial program and everything ending up
in the smelter and all those materials being lost instead of recycled.
 certainly it is a good argument against landfill.  now a bunch of
websites have sprung up, such as at encorp, and it seems like the
smelter is not necessarily part of the plan (at least from what I can
find):

"Following collection, designated end-of-life equipment will be moved
to consolidation sites in selected areas of the province where
transport-efficient loads of sorted material types will be assembled.
Full loads of collected designated end-of-life material are then
transported to approved processing and recycling contractors. All
recyclers will be under contract with ESABC and required to meet
Electronics Product Stewardship Canada (EPSC) Recycling Vendor
Qualification Standards to ensure materials are processed in an
environmentally sound manner with appropriate health, safety and
export provisions."

As long as the stuff is recycled properly and safely, the
environmental angle is taken care of (setting aside the reuse problems
for the moment).  But if we have the option, we should ensure we're
getting well compensated for our scrap.

good luck at the meeting
- Paul



On 9/14/07, David Repa <david.repa at freegeekvancouver.org> wrote:
> Hey Everyone,
>
> > Sunday Sept. 16
> > 2pm
> > Location TBA
> >
>
> The meeting will be held at Free Geek, the light house idea didn't work
> out.
>
> --
> David
>
>
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