Some of the bigger items will cost you some money, but that’s what being an ethical consumer is about, right? Actually, California makes purchasers pay for e-waste recycling. Under its law, customers are charged between $8 and $25 above the price of TVs, computer monitors, laptop computers and portable DVD player that will pay for safe recycling.

Just like Kermit, It’s not easy being green…or cheap. But we will pay for it eventually if we don’t start taking ethical consumerism seriously.

Here is a map to get you there.

E-waste is the e-worst!

By guest Michael Timberlake

An average computer contains as much as four pounds of lead and a circuit board has over 16 hazardous heavy metals…these are not the materials you want in a landfill! Unfortunately, it’s not always easy to properly dispose of your old or damaged copiers, computers, modems, ethernet cables and other business/IT equipment. Finding the proper place to recycle or an outlet to donate old monitors, laptops and cell phones can be time consuming and frustrating in the average, hectic business life. All too often it becomes too easy to either keep old electronics in the attic or throw our e-waste out with the rest of the garbage.

However, that inconvenience can turn into a fun and creative avenue in the workplace and at home. Recreate and breathe new life into those dusty old TVs, printers and lamps with these clever ideas and guides. Whether you are more into the geek/technical side or the designer/artist side there are countless ways to make your e-waste into e-treasure.

Its easy to get started! Just simply type what electronic you are trying to e-create into any search engine and you’ll net hundreds of ideas and guides, from simple to complex, to help alleviate all the wires, cables and hardware crowding and tangling up your office or home.  Suddenly you may find you own brilliant e-inspiration to reuse those dusty old electronics you thought were digitally extinct (Oh, and dont forget to check out some of the reader comments where many of the best ideas are hidden).

Here are some of the best that I found in my search!

• Laptop Magazine has a section in its website devoted to reusing laptops with video and step by step instructions. Here’s one on how to make an outdated slow laptop into a modern entertainment center, perfect for online video business meetings.

• Ever wonder what to do with all those old cell phones you accumulated over the years? Well, this video tutorial shows you how to turn any cell phone with a camera into a webcam that could be used for anything from security surveillance and live web broadcasts to video Skyping and online business meetings. The more sophisticated the camera the more options are available for recording, but if you’re looking for a simple way to increase security at home or at the office look no further.

Don’t think you have the technical wiz to reuse your old electronic clutter? Use your inner artist to find ways around your home and garden for your e-waste to become e-art!

• A University of Illinois class actually specialized in making creations out of donated old electronics. Some of the most popular ended up being furniture creations and outdoor garden accessories. From CD vases and laptop mirrors to Mac garden pots and keyboard tresses, the possibilities are endless for all your old electronics.
• One of the most popular creative uses for old TVs, computers and monitors is turning them into fish tanks. But remember the tubes, wires and pieces removed still must be recycled properly. Here are a few good step by step guides to make that outdated electronic into a hip new iTank.

                Classic TV makes a vintage style fishtank

                The Mac G4 iTank

Some companies, such as MotherBoard Gifts and Fractal Spin specialize in designing and creating practical uses for circuit boards and other used computer equipment. Whether you are a DIYer or would rather simply appreciate some cool artistic hardware, these can give you some interesting inpriations for your own creations. Examples include coasters, picture frames, luggage tags and even earrings and cufflinks. But don’t let it stop you there, these are just a few examples of the endless artistic possibilities available in electronics.

 These clever innovators are finding new fascinating ways to reuse their old electronics, whether it be for technical uses or simple decoration. Get out there and find your imaginative awakening and cut down on the building up of e-waste in our environment.