Can Plant-Based Plastics Clean Up the E-Waste Stream?
Plastics used to make our computers, discs, monitors and other electronic wastes constitute 5% of the waste stream. New technology is now available to transform these plastics we use and discard on a daily basis into more environmentally friendly plant-based plastics. Many American companies are moving in this direction, led by Fujitsu, Sharp, and NEC. Because of legislation in Europe that has already been passed, as recent as the summer of 2006, it may become difficult for US based companies that dont switch over to sell products overseas. This will force other American companies to adjust to market demand. As informed consumers, the signal to purchase items that reflect our values is stronger than ever. The shouts of sustainable decision-making do not go unheard. Transformed company protocols reflect truer cost scenarios as the consumers value is anything but business as usual. This article addresses our power as consumers to make sustainable decisions, and it shows the effectiveness
