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From E-Waste to Eco-Wonder: Resurrecting Computers for a Sustainable Future

Author

Listed:
  • Jorge Reyna

    (Education and Training, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO), Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia)

  • Jose Hanham

    (School of Education, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

  • Joanne Orlando

    (School of Education, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia)

Abstract

Educational institutions are massive consumers of computing technologies, often replacing their computing infrastructure in a 3-to-5-year timeframe. Once decommissioned, many components of computing technologies are no longer useable and become electronic waste. Replacing computer infrastructure within these short timeframes is a significant e-waste sustainability issue that educational institutions need to address. This article aims to introduce and provoke new thinking regarding e-waste management and its implications for education. The authors introduce the term sustainable device literacy to conceptualise how educators and educational institutions can take an educative approach to refreshing computing technologies beyond their presumed obsolescence. Two example case studies that demonstrate the upgrade of a laptop from 2012 and a desktop computer from 2015 are included to provoke new discussions regarding e-waste and education. Using benchmarking tools, the findings from the case studies show that computing technologies that may be considered obsolete can be upgraded to include much of the functionality of current computers. The broader implications for sustainability are discussed.

Suggested Citation

  • Jorge Reyna & Jose Hanham & Joanne Orlando, 2024. "From E-Waste to Eco-Wonder: Resurrecting Computers for a Sustainable Future," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 16(8), pages 1-11, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:16:y:2024:i:8:p:3363-:d:1377431
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Lynda Andeobu & Santoso Wibowo & Srimannarayana Grandhi, 2021. "A Systematic Review of E-Waste Generation and Environmental Management of Asia Pacific Countries," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(17), pages 1-18, August.
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