Reasons to Rent a Computer

It’s no secret that computers are such a part of daily life that most businesses and even private citizens would struggle to get by without them.  Most people own a computer these days, and most businesses have several or even hundreds depending on the size of the organization. 

Not a lot of people would consider renting computers, but renting does provide solutions to several different business situations.  Renting computers is cost-effective, it’s easy and sometimes it just makes sense. 

Short-Term Employees

One fact about many types of businesses is that not all employees are hired on a permanent basis.  Sometimes a business needs more help during a busy season, during a product launch or just as part of normal growth.  Whatever the reason, if you are taking on employees that you know will only be around on a temporary basis, renting computers for them is a viable option. 

Training

Corporate training is another area where computer rentals make more sense than buying.  Sometimes, dozens or even hundreds of trainees require a computer for training on a temporary basis.  Looking for deals on computers, buying new or borrowing from the business can be costly and complex.  By renting, you can provide all the training your employees need and then return the computers and move on. 

Travel

Business travel is a fact of life for many people, but if you have employees who only travel periodically, renting a laptop for the trip is probably a good idea.  Not every business has employees who travel frequently and not every business needs to buy laptops for when it is necessary. 

Trade Shows

Trade shows and presentations are similar situations to infrequent travel.  They usually only happen periodically, and much of the time you can get by with computer rentals rather than buying computers.  In the past, it was easy to get through a trade show or presentation successfully without a computer, but things are definitely different now.  A laptop has taken the place of folders and brochures and displays, and you wouldn’t want to show your face at a trade show or attempt a presentation without one. 

Regardless of the situation, if you encounter a scenario where you could use one or even dozens of computers, but can’t or don’t want to buy, consider renting.  Find a reputable computer rental business and you’ll always have the computers you need, when you need them.

Managing the Environmental Impact of Electronic Waste

New and changing technology continues to revolutionize the way that we live. A library of information is now available to us with a touch of a finger or a click of a mouse. High-tech mobile devices keep us in constant touch with family and friends. Communities around the world are now connected through social media websites. Rapidly changing technology, however, requires new products and new purchases, and a surplus of outdated electronics has resulted in an excess of electronic waste worldwide.

Electronic Waste in Landfills

In the United States, only around 20 percent of electronic waste, or e-waste, is recycled each year, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Only around 8 percent of cell phones are recycled. The remaining televisions, computers and mobile devices find their way into landfills and incinerators. Electronics can contain a broad range of materials that can be hazardous to human health, including lead, cadmium, nickel and mercury.

Exported E-Waste

The EPA strongly advocates for recycling old electronics, but not every recycling organization handles e-waste properly. Some companies export electronic waste to countries where the recycling process proceeds in a crude and dangerous fashion, contaminating air, water and soil. Copper wires covered with insulation, for example, are extracted from electronic components and then simply burned to remove the insulation, releasing dioxins into the environment. Cyanide used to remove gold from circuit boards is disposed of like trash.

The Benefits of Proper Recycling

According to the EPA, there is more gold and copper in a metric ton of circuit boards than can be mined from a metric ton of ore. Electronic waste can be a valuable source of precious metals and engineered plastic. Complex electronics can contain up to 60 elements. When existing electronic components are recycled, fewer natural materials need to be extracted from the earth, conserving natural resources, reducing pollution and saving energy. It is estimated that recycling one million computers would save enough electricity to power over 3,500 homes in a year.

In the US, over a thousand cities have set up recycling programs. Most offer electronic waste collection as special events. A wide array of private and public organizations have also established programs to accept electronics for recycling.

Donating Used Electronics

Donating used but still working electronics remains the best option for disposing of electronic waste. Donating not only extends the life of computers, monitors and cell phones but provides a number of social benefits as well. Communities that might otherwise have no access to the devices can enjoy the opportunity to participate in the digital world. Businesses and individuals may also be able to take advantage of tax credits for donated equipment.

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the US produces around 3 million tons of electronic waste each year. China generates around 2.3 million tons. By donating outdated electronics to people who need them and by properly recycling e-waste, the global village can enjoy the benefits of new technology without harming the environment.