Cradle-to-grave greenwashing in the computer industry

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Application ID: 000314
This project is available.
Project Description
Project Title
Cradle-to-grave greenwashing in the computer industry
What is the central research question you want answered?
What are the objectives of your project?
How are hardware and software manufacturers manipulating their media image to conceal issues of planned obsolescence, toxicity and environmental hazards? Are they exploiting a lack of scrutiny and public e-waste awareness?
Project Type
Computer Related     
Creative     
Formal Research     
 Organizational Development     
Survey     
Other  
Size of Project (Number of pages, minutes, cm, etc.)
20-30 pages, at the discretion of student
Project Description (Use this space to further elaborate on the project)
There has been increased public pressure for more sustainable practices in many industries. The computer industry is no exception. Unfortunately, many manufacturers are capitalizing on a lack of scrutiny to only make policy changes in their PR departments, without necessarily implementing significantly greener practices. This project will aim to underscore such behaviours.
How do you plan to use the results of this project?
The information from this study will help our organisation educate the public, and will support the lobbying efforts of 'watchdog' organisations, both in Canada and abroad. It will also bolster our efforts to promote free and open source software such as Linux.
What larger goal is served by undertaking this project?
This project will illustrate the lack of scrutiny and transparency in the computer manufacturing and computer recycling industries. Reform in these areas is an urgent matter, due to the hazardous materials in computer waste. Unfortunately, many organisations are putting on an environmentally friendly face, while continuing to behave just as they always have. This presents complex challenges for consumers and governments.
The Organization
Organization Name
Free Geek Community Technology Centre
What community do you represent or work with?
We bring many communities together, including the economically disadvantaged, artists, technocrats, community activists, business people, educators, new Canadians, retirees, programmers, Linux advocates, environmentalists, students, and of course, computer geeks.
What is your organization/group's goal or mandate?
We provide a place for people to share technology and knowledge, and to work together building healthier, more empowered communities. We want to see transparency, accountability, and sustainability become the norm in our industry and in our neighbourhoods.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT: Free Geek is a not for profit community organisation that recycles used technology to provide computers, education, internet access and job skills training to those in need, in exchange for community service.

More information on our principles can be viewed online at http://freegeekvancouver.org/en/computer_recycling_principles
Are you a registered not-for-profit?
Yes
Contact Information
Contact Person
Ifny Lachance
  
Position
Director
Mailing Address
117 East 2nd Avenue
Vancouver BC V5T 1B4
Telephone
604-879-4335
Fax
 
Email
ifny@freegeekvancouver.org
  
Alternate Telephone
 
Alternate Fax
 
Alternate Email
 
Project Plan of Action
Duration of Project
Smaller (One semester)
If you know the duration more specifically, please indicate here
 
What are the specific deliverables that you expect of the student?
Choosing software/hardware manufacturers to study. Researching publicity materials that these companies make available to the public, such as websites, flyers, and statements to the media. Researching their official policies and positions, both in their literature and public appearances.. Accessing studies/evaluations of environmental practices. Comparing public image with actual practices for discrepancy/accuracy/harmony.
Estimated time commitment per week
3-4
Liaison
Liaison Name
Ifny Lachance
  
Liaison Position
director
Liason Contact Info (If different from above)
 
How much time per week will the
liaison be available to the project?
3 hours
How will the liaison provide direction and support to the project?
We will assist in explaining the project, suggest sources, and provide regular feedback.
Student Researcher
Student area of study/experience
Communications, Media, Environmental Sudies, Sociology, Political Science
Student skills/attributes
Analytical, Insightful, attentive to detail, and meticulous
Student related interests
Environmental justice, consumer awareness, politics

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