Environmental Impact of Technology

Question 1

What are the negative environmental impacts of technology?

Answer 1

Landfills- Old computers contain hazardous materials that need to be disposed of using special methods. Otherwise, toxic materials (mercury, lead and cadmium) can enter ecosystems and contaminate water.

Increased population- Improved health care increases population size which leads to more pollution and resource scarcity.

Carbon emissions- materials used in electronics need to be mined- machinery releases Carbon and trapped gas is released.

Energy- Electronics use a lot of energy which needed generated- usually through fossil fuels.

Question 2

What are the positive environmental impacts of technology?

Answer 2

1. IMPROVED EDUCATION – Distance learning and visual learning.​
2. COMMUNICATIONS – Reduces pollution caused by travelling.​
3. HELPING EXPERTS – Sharing research, experience and ideas.​
4. STUDY OF ENVIRONMENT – Improve understanding of impact of our actions.​
5. DEVELOPMENT OF NEW SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS – Sustainable, that do not harm environment

Question 3

What are the ways to reduce carbon emissions released into the environment (in computing)?

Answer 3

Use more efficient electronics such as:

• Laptops (Use 75% less power than desktops)
• Ink jet printer (90% less energy than laser jets)
• Laptops for monitors (Half the energy used by a desktop computer monitor)

Question 4

How do old computers in landfills effect the environment?

Answer 4

Hazardous!
Contain non-biodegradable metals and toxic metals such as lead and mercury that could leak into the ground and contaminate water and living organisms that live around landfills.

Question 5

What are the 3 main health problems caused by regular use of technology?

Answer 5

1) Obesity
2) RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)- Typing, scrolling
3) Technology Addiction

Question 6

What are the eco-friendly solutions to protect the environment from computing waste?

Answer 6

• Recycle to conserve precious metals
• Repair equipment
• Donate Equipment
  (Product Design 6r’s really)

Question 7

How do computers contribute to carbon emissions?

Answer 7

They use energy that may have some from carbon emitting non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels.

Question 8

How does the building of computer hardware impact the environment?

Answer 8

• Manufacturing causes air, water and noise pollution

- Use of non-renewable resources such as gold and lithium.