What Does the IPCC Report Have to Do With IT Asset Disposition?

Created in 1988 by the United Nations Environment Programme and the World Meteorological Organization, The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) shares regular reports where they present scientific information on climate change. These reports contain general climate change-related information as well as the scientific, technical and socio-economic impacts and risks of climate change and discuss ways we can slow the occurrence of this devastating phenomenon.

The most recent IPCC report has been called the “Red Alert of Humanity” and makes the assertion that climate change is “widespread, rapid and intensifying.” We can no longer sit idle and expect others to pull our weight.

This IPCC report informs your business on climate change

While some effects of climate change are inevitable over the course of the next hundreds or thousands of years…

strong and sustained reductions in emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases would limit climate change. While benefits for air quality would come quickly, it could take 20-30 years to see global temperatures stabilize, according to the IPCC Working Group I report, Climate Change 2021: the Physical Science Basis.

In other words, it’s a big ship with a small rudder but every effort to reduce greenhouse gas emissions helps slow the effects of climate change. And everyone from large manufacturers to small business owners to individual citizens can make an impact.

However, when people read the IPCC and learn more about the effects of climate change, they’re often overwhelmed. This is especially true for company presidents, COOs and other key decision makers who are responsible for more than just themselves and their own carbon footprints.

How can our relatively small company in the scheme of things make an impact when it comes to tackling this enormous global issue?

There are many steps companies of any size can take to lessen their negative environmental impact. From installing energy-efficient lighting to going paperless, small steps add up to big change, especially across organizations worldwide.

But how often does IT asset disposition come across the radar as an effective approach to slowing the effects of climate change?

Are you responsibly recycling your end-of-life electronics with a certified vendor?

Many companies know the importance of partnering with an e-recycler but base their decisions about who to work with based heavily on price. Electronics recycling, while important, is often lower on the company priority list than many other initiatives.

The truth is, you get what you pay for and if it seems too good to be true, that’s probably because it is. In order to save on costs, unethical e-recycling companies often lack valuable and costly annual certifications that assure their customers that they’re taking good care of the environment throughout the entire ITAD process…and good care of any sensitive customer data.

They may also participate in illegal dumping or disposal instead of paying costs associated with responsible toxic waste disposal and plastics and metals recycling.

If you’re currently working with an ITAD vendor, ask them which certifications they hold so you know that your partnership is helping reduce the effects of climate change…instead of contributing to it.

Two major industry certifications to look for are R2® (Responsible Recycling) and e-Stewards.

Environmentally speaking, vendors with R2® certifications prioritize refurbishment over recycling whenever possible. On the environmental front, E-Stewards-certified vendors make sure toxic e-waste is disposed of according to the highest industry standards, guarantee responsible downstream management of these materials and commit to avoiding exportation of toxic e-waste to developing countries.

Electronics recycling is the tip of the iceberg

It doesn’t stop with keeping e-waste out of landfills or recycling old electronics, however.

If you want to take action to slow the effects of climate change presented in the IPCC report, there are some additional IT asset management steps you can take to make an even greater impact.

• Maintain a solid IT asset management process to ensure you’re only buying the IT assets you truly need.
• Reallocate idle electronics within your company to maximize their use and keep them from becoming end-of-life assets.
• Buy refurbished electronics to decrease the environmental impact of mining and the carbon impact of manufacturing.
• Purchase only highly repairable electronics when purchasing new assets.
• Prioritize electronics repair before replacement to extend their useful life.
• Incorporate circularity into your IT best practices.

Remember to always seek ways to reduce, reuse and recycle.

At Tech Dump, we’re passionate about taking care of the environment. If you want to switch to a certified ITAD vendor or learn more about how a Tech Dump partnership can help you reduce your carbon footprint, reach out to us at 763.432.3117!