I often review CDs and DVDs in this column. But I’ve recently
begun to think about the environmental impact of these small and efficient
carriers of music and film. They require resources to manufacture (including
aluminum, gold, silver and nickel, not to mention petroleum-derived plastics,
lacquers and dyes), use energy to transport and create waste when disposed of –
which happens continuously.
Because of their complicated structure, CDs and DVDs are virtually impossible to
recycle. (And how many coasters and crow-scaring garden hanging thingies can one
person use, anyway?) Then, of course, there are those plastic “jewel cases” made
from PVC and the shrink wrapping, both of which are also difficult to recycle.
DVDs and CDs are made to last for a long time if taken care of properly. For
example, minor scratches can be repaired by rubbing a mild abrasive, such as
toothpaste, on the non-label side in a circular motion from the center out. Here
are some other things you can do to lessen their environmental impact:
-
Purchase and download computer software, music and films online. Use an external
hard drive for back-up.
-
Refuse to buy from companies that still use plastic cases, in favor of those
that have switched to recycled cardboard and paper packaging.
-
Rent DVDs from online or storefront businesses. (You’ll save money too.)
-
Give away or trade CDs that you’ve grown tired of, or donate them to charity.
-
Recycle. Most municipal recycling programs don’t accept CDs or DVDs, but some
private companies do, for a small fee (Google “CD recycling”), then recycle them
into plastics used in auto parts, office equipment, electrical cable insulation,
jewel cases and other products.
The US EPA has produced a poster called The Lifecycle of a CD or DVD, available
at www.epa.gov/osw/education/pdfs/finalposter.pdf. It is especially good for use
with kids.
Wendy Priesnitz is Natural Life's editor, a journalist with more
than 30 years experience, and the author of
nine books.
The Media Beat is a
regular column in Natural Life, where Wendy Priesnitz shares her
favorite sources of green information and inspiration.
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