Reuse is the ultimate form of recycling.  We’ve all heard that before but how can it be when the gear your reusing is not as energy efficient as purchasing new?  That’s a very good question and to answer it, one must look at the full product life cycle.  Many companies today that are technology sensitive are doing tech refreshes every 18 to 24 months.  That being stated, the equipment they are upgrading is still very functional but just a bit out dated relative to technology.  The older gear may not be fast enough, have enough memory, but whatever the reason for a refresh, the gear is still very functional and definitely has a recovery value in the secondary more price sensitive market place.

When looking at refurbished gear, one must evaluate the entire product life cycle.  Though you may be purchasing gear that may not be as energy efficient as purchasing new, consider the fact that you are extending the life of the used gear and most importantly are avoiding the use of all of the necessary resources it would of taken to build new.  From the processing of raw materials, to the resources consumed in transporting all of those resources from supplier to supplier to manufacturer to the new end user.  It is estimated that it takes 85% less energy to refurbish then to create a new product.  In addition, the EPA estimates that adding additional life to computers save 5 to 20 times more energy then recycling over the life of the computer.   To reuse results in a reduced carbon footprint and is certainly more environmentally friendly.

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