As customers in the U.S. clamor for the latest iPhone, some citizens in developing countries are still dealing with the poisonous effects of the old model.
It's not the new technology consumers buy that causes problems, but what becomes of the hazardous materials that are thrown away instead of recycled.
Two filmmakers, Isaac Brown and Ana Paula Habib, are trying to create awareness about this preventable situation with their new documentary, "Terra Blight."
The filmmakers presented the film Sept. 24 in Langdon Hall, as part of the film's 2012 Awareness Tour.
In focusing on the life cycle of the computer, the film explores the invention and heavy use of computers in America, a manufacturing plant in Habib's native Brazil and the eventual disposal of outdated machines. Some from the federal government and the Environmental Protection Agency here in the U.S. are brought to a dump in Ghana.
Ironically, the film shows some of the final African recipients of this "e-Waste" have no idea what computers are actually used for, only that they contain precious metals.
Brown said the concept for the film started 10 years ago when he was doing a photojournalism project about different squandered resources. He said he started to become "increasingly disturbed by how much the U.S.A. wastes as a culture."
Brown and Habib agreed Auburn has been one of the most receptive campuses so far.
"So far, I have to say that Auburn was the most ready school," Habib said. "They took the time to make fliers about what's happening to the school's computers, but inform students what they can do individually as well. We felt that our true goal was met at that screening, because not only were we able to give them information, but then connect them with local recycling programs."
The screening was hosted by the Office of Sustainability as part of the Campus Conversations program and enlightened students about recycling their computers, as well as how the University discards unnecessary electronics.
Matt Williams, program manager for the Office of Sustainability, said the screening prompted a lot of positive discussion among students, faculty and University departments.
"It was one of the best showings we've ever had," said Williams. "We were really proud of the turnout, the discussion afterward and with how engaged and involved everybody was. It was such an excellent field for bringing everyone up to speed and helping everybody see where we need to be shifting the system as a whole."
In the film, the recycling company Creative Recycling Systems (CRS) is profiled as an efficient way to reduce and re-use electronic waste because of its ability to separate and sell most of the materials used in electronics. Auburn has been a pioneer in working with CRS for many years.
Bill Capps, surplus property manager for the University, has been working with CRS for approximately six years and tries to recycle any University electronics that are either unwanted or unable to be sold at warehouse auctions.
"I like knowing that when their use is over, that they're going to a better place," Capps said. "We try and send to CRS whenever possible, no questions about it."
After viewing the film and seeing the dangers of improperly disposed electronics, Capps said machines such as computers should be considered hazardous waste material and recycled if possible.
"With all the lead and other stuff inside, none of this should ever go into a landfill," Capps said.
Students also have the option to donate their personal electronics to the National Cristina Foundation, a nonprofit that allows electronics to be re-used by others in need.
For now, students do not have anywhere on campus they can donate used electronics, but the city of Auburn, in partnership with electronics recycler CompuPoint, allows donations at the recycling center at 365-A N. Donahue Drive.
Habib explained that the film is not anti-technology, but pro-recycling and pro-awareness.
"By no means are we telling people to stop using technology, or that technology is bad," Habib said. "We couldn't have made this film without technology. The goal of the film is to try and empower the audience to demand products to be made greener and disposed of properly or recycled, if possible."
For more information about the film and to get involved with recycling efforts, visit terrablight.com, auburn.edu/projects/sustainability or cristina.org
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