|
The Illinois Parent Teacher Association has joined the Public
Interest Research Group in asking Google to extend the life of
13 Chromebook models whose software will expire in less than
three months.
Thirty-six organizations, including the U.S.-based Consumer
Reports, National Stewardship Action Council and Environment
America and international organizations such as the Greek
Consumers’ Association and the Restart Project signed the letter
to Google.
“We really shouldn’t be throwing away computers that are
functional just because they’ve reached an expiration date,”
said Lucas Gutterman, Designed to Last director with PIRG.
“Ultimately we think all of these Chromebooks should last a lot
longer but a good first step that Google could take is to extend
the lifespan of these 13 models that are expiring.”
Gutterman adds in addition to helping the environment, extending
the life of the devices would save taxpayers a lot of money.
“Our report found that if Google were to double the life of
Chromebooks in use it could actually save Illinois taxpayers $68
million and it would really reduce the carbon emissions that it
takes to make these devices in the first place as well,”
Gutterman told The Center Square.
Nationwide, the PIRG report found for the over 48 million K-12
public school students, doubling the life would save $1.8
billion, assuming no additional maintenance costs.
School districts were a major reason why Chromebook sales
skyrocketed in the latter part of 2020.
When technology like Chromebooks reach their expiration date,
the PIRG report said about one-third of the electronic waste is
properly recycled.
“In the United States, we generate about 6.9 million tons of
e-waste each year, which is equivalent to throwing out 120
Chromebooks every second. We can’t afford to keep replacing
technology at this rate,” the letter stated.
A message from The Center Square to Google seeking response
wasn't immediately returned.
|
|
