Talk:Meyer Memorial Trust

Oso, I started editing this doc, just cause. then realized that you really may not care that much. Well... let me know if I should continue on. revphil

PART ONE

The Organization

INTRODUCTION

The technology revolution benefits many, but it also creates two serious problems. First, computers manufactured today have a very short life cycle. Large numbers of computers are deemed obsolete within two years and discarded. The National Safety Council reported that during 1997 more than 20 million computers reached obsolescence and only 11% were recycled or reused. At the current rate, by the year 2005, 350 million machines will become obsolete.

''consider using more recent stats. I saw a stat for 2007 that said in that year 600 million computers would be obslete... sorry i cant provide the refrence for fact checking. Also "350 million machines" could be construed as vague, i like the alliteration but consider using "systems" perhaps. --Revphil 11:19, 14 Dec 2005 (PST)''

Traditional methods of disposal of computer equipment have resulted in releasing dangerous toxins such as lead, chromium and mercury into the environment.[1] In 2000, Oregon generated 46,353 tons of computer and electronic waste but only 1.33% was recovered.[2] Without proper disposal or recycling of this technology, the resulting accumulation of toxic waste will create potentially disastrous results for the environment.

The second problem stemming from the advancement of computer technology is that many people lack even the most basic computer skills. This can deny them access to everything from getting on the Internet to getting a better job. In 1999 the U.S. Commerce Department reported that households with incomes of $75,000 and higher were twenty times more likely to have access to the Internet than households at the lowest income levels and nine times as likely to have a computer in the home. In 2000, the median income of a family of four in the Portland area was $53,700[3], below the national average of $62,228 [4]. These technological advances are only going to accelerate in the coming years, resulting in more people being left behind.

The concept behind Free Geek is to use these problems to solve each other. Computers bound for the land fills can be refurbished into working, starter computers for those who cannot otherwise afford them. Individuals with little or no disposable income can be trained to help process the diverted computers for reuse or recycling, receiving one of the refurbished computers in exchange for their efforts. The result is less computer equipment in the landfills and more equipment being reused. In addition, a wide range of people get access to computers and the Internet that previously could not; a win, win situation for everyone involved, summed up in the Free Geek mission statement:

Free Geek recycles used technology to provide computers, education and job skills training to those in need, in exchange for community service.