Re: Reuse or Recycle Your Old Computer

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 <[email protected]> wrote:
>
>> On 3 Feb 2014, at 10:48 am, Jason Ball <[email protected]> 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 <[email protected]> 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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