Computers and the Environment: Understanding and Managing their Impacts (Eco-Efficiency in Industry and Science, 14): Kuehr, R., Williams, Eric: 9781402016806: Amazon.com: Books
Computers and the Environment: Understanding and Managing their Impacts (Eco-Efficiency in Industry and Science, 14) Softcover reprint of the original 1st ed. 2003 Edition
Personal computers have made life convenient in many ways, but what about their impacts on the environment due to production, use and disposal? Manufacturing computers requires prodigious quantities of fossil fuels, toxic chemicals and water. Rapid improvements in performance mean we often buy a new machine every 1-3 years, which adds up to mountains of waste computers. How should societies respond to manage these environmental impacts? This volume addresses the environmental impacts and management of computers through a set of analyses on issues ranging from environmental assessment, technologies for recycling, consumer behaviour, strategies of computer manufacturing firms, and government policies. One conclusion is that extending the lifespan of computers (e.g. through reselling) is an environmentally and economically effective strategy that deserves more attention from governments, firms and the general public.
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There is much to recommend in this book. The chief virtues are that most of the topic is new and hasn't been covered in depth before and that the coverage here is comprehensive. It's very well written with a necessary, but not too much technical detail and would be very accessible to senior students, company representatives, politicians and especially those with an interest in computers and environmental issues. The wealth of detail would make it ideal an case study, more detailed research project or even as a way to manage our own machines!