Computers

Behind a computer there are many kilos of mineral and chemical substances, a lot of water (up to 1,500 litres to manufacture a computer) and a lot of power: chips are so tiny that they have to be manufactured in rooms where there is almost no particles at all in the air. Let us contribute as little as possible to this great consumption of resources.

How can we do it

Let us remember that in many cases a second hand computer is the best option.

The electronic circuits contain many heavy metals and other polluting substances. In some manufacturing plants it has been detected that its workers have more cancer than the average. Let us look for the computers more respectful with the environment.

How can we do it

The labels EU Ecolabel, Àngel Blau and TCO are awarded to computers that limit the use of the most harmful components, the consumption of the computer and/or the emission of electromagnetic fields. The one with the most strict criterion is the TCO label, some Dell and Fujitsu computers have it.

The programs of computers are monopolized by a few companies. Let us use free programs, that provide more plurality and make it possible that we all can take the maximum advantage of the technological progress (you can find an explanation here).

How can we do it

For the most part of common utilities there are free programs, some of them can be seen here.
Instructions for installing the Linux freeware programs are here.
Dell Company can sell their computer with the Linux freeware already installed.

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Data d'actualització: 25/08/2011 - 14:06

Keep this in mind!

For many basic uses it is not necessary to have a cutting-edge computer. We have a lot of resources to find used computers.

Free programs fight against monopolies and also enhances that we take the maximum benefit of technological advancements.

We have several tools to minimize the electricity consumption of a computer.

Information sources

Sectorial enterprises: Inves, Adli;

academic centres: Càtedra de Programari Lliure i Dept. d'Arquitectura de Computadors de la Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya;

experts: Alex Castán, informàtic;

administrations: Dept. de Medi Ambient de la Generalitat de Catalunya, Ecolabel de la Unió Europea;

organizations: Asociación de Estudios Geobiológicos, Basel Action Network, Corporate Watch, Fundación Bip Bip, Silicon Valley Toxics Coalition, Taiwan Environmental Action Network, Tecnologia per Tothom.