Consumer Electronics Makers Recovering

Kori Ellis — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 03:29:37 +0000

The consumer electronics industry has been hit especially hard by the recession and slow consumer spending, as electronics are among the first things that many families cut back on when money is tight. However, several consumer electronics companies, including Sony and Panasonic, have posted results that may signal some recovery in the market.

Image: Flickr

Sony just posted its fourth-consecutive quarterly loss on Friday, a fact that is troublesome on its own. However, the brighter outlook on the global economy and cost-cutting measures have allowed Sony to trim its loss forecast for the year in hopes that the situation will continue to improve.

Panasonic also raised its annual forecast, a move that may show that Japanese consumer electronics makers have reached the depths of the recession and are on their way to recovery. While demand for televisions and other electronics had disappeared at the height of the global economic crisis, Panasonic’s optimism gives hope to the rest of the consumer electronics industry.

Post from: EveryJoe

Consumer Electronics Makers Recovering

Old Computers on Earth Day

Jason Bean — Wed, 22 Apr 2009 17:25:46 +0000

Happy Earth Day everyone! Today’s topic is what the heck do you do with all of that old PC equipment you’ve got laying around the house and aren’t using anymore? I’ve got old hard drives, 4-5 old CRT’s, a couple of towers and a boat load of cords, chargers and other devices just sitting around and taking up space. I know I don’t want to just toss it out, but what do you do with it?

EPA website header graphic

A quick search and poll of twitter gave me some ideas on what could be done. First I found the eCycling website setup by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). It’s got information about what to do with your e-waste and the different options that are available for you to take advantage.

This site offers:

Basic Information about reducing and recycling electronics
Where You Live provides information about regional and State eCycling programs
Where Can I Donate or Recycle My Old Computer and Other Electronics? lists organizations and retailers with donation and recycling programs
Statistics on the Management of Used and End-of-Life Electronics
Regulations/Standards for handling electronic equipment
Frequent Questions and answers about electronic waste
Resources publications and links that offer additional information on the management of electronics

A friend on twitter also let me know that you can take some old equipment to Best Buy and they will help you recycle it. Some items require you to pay a small fee, but Best Buy will give you a gift card for the equivalent fee for you to spend at a later time.

Pretty cool. So, what are you getting rid of today or this weekend? What ideas do you have for using old equipment for something useful?

Post from: EveryJoe

Old Computers on Earth Day

EveryJoe » Electronics

Consumer Electronics Makers Recovering

Old Computers on Earth Day