By Alex Valenzuela / 23 Mar 2020 / Topics: Devices Hardware
When it comes to calculating the cost of these upgrades, however, the environmental impact and very real risks to security aren’t always factored into the economic considerations.
Currently, 50 million metric tons — the weight of all commercial airplanes ever built — of electronic waste, or “e-waste,” is created each year. Globally, only 20% of this material is actually recycled, while the remaining 80% ends up incinerated or dumped in landfills, often in Asia. Toxic materials from discarded hardware pollute local ecosystems, while uncontrolled data from retired systems create huge security vulnerabilities. Mining operations release substantial CO2 emissions into the atmosphere in the relentless extraction of raw materials and rare metals from the earth’s crust.
As governments seek to address the environmental concerns around the issue of e-waste, an increase in regulatory oversight can mean additional costs for noncompliance. When all the factors are considered together, the answer is clear: e-waste is a problem we cannot afford to ignore.
At Insight and Dell Technologies, we know that embracing new technology and protecting the environment don’t have to be at odds with each other.
In fact, advancing sustainable solutions and improving our own environmental performance is at the heart of what we do. Insight’s green initiatives, like reducing our energy consumption, waste, water and air emissions, repurposing equipment, and partnering with conscientious suppliers and contractors, are just the beginning of our commitment to the planet — and to our people.
When technology does inevitably come to the end of its lifecycle, Insight’s best-in-class asset disposition program provides Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) compliant e-waste disposal — maximizing economic returns and data security, and simplifying logistics and transportation.
Doing its part, Dell Technologies is also committed to using recycled and renewable material to make 100% of its packaging as well as more than 50% of its products. By 2030, for every product a customer buys, Dell Technologies will reuse or recycle an equivalent product. The company embraces innovation and the use of bio-based resources to create devices that last longer, reduce its carbon footprint and make packaging from ocean-bound plastics.
You can read Insight’s Corporate Citizenship Report here and learn more about the industry-leading efforts of Dell Technologies here.
At Insight and Dell Technologies, our commitment to sustainable solutions and environmental best practices forms the foundation for all that we do — and all that we can help you do in your IT transformation journey.
Director, Strategic Alliance
Alex uses his more than 10 years of IT experience to help organizations recognize returns on their technology solutions and services investments. Enabling them to transform their GTM strategies and remain competitive in their respective verticals.
