Basic 7 · Computing · Technology in the Community
Reducing the Impact of Computers on the Environment
In this topic you will propose environmentally responsible practices for using and disposing of computers, and use safe, clean computer parts to create a useful item.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Propose environmentally responsible practices for computer use
- Explain the meaning and process of computer recycling
- Create a useful item from clean, safe discarded computer parts
What you already know
- E-waste and its effects on the environment
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B7.1.2.1.5 – Propose environmentally responsible practices that can be used to reduce the negative impact of computers and computer use on the environment
Introduction
We cannot stop using computers, but we can use them in ways that protect our environment. Every learner can help by saving energy, extending the life of devices and disposing of them safely.
1. Saving Energy
| Practice | How it helps |
|---|---|
| switch off computers, monitors and printers after use | saves electricity |
| use sleep or power-saving mode | reduces energy use when the device is idle |
| reduce screen brightness | saves power and protects the eyes |
| unplug chargers when not in use | stops wasted electricity |
| choose energy-efficient devices and LED bulbs | use less power for the same work |
| use solar power where possible | reduces pollution from fuel-burning power stations |
2. Extending the Life of Devices
The longer a device is used, the less waste is produced. Protect devices with cases and surge protectors, clean them regularly, install updates, and repair rather than replace when possible. Computers that are too slow for one user can be refurbished and donated to schools or community centres.
3. The 5 Rs for Electronics
| Practice | Example |
|---|---|
| reduce | buy only the devices you need |
| reuse | give an old phone to a family member |
| repair | fix a broken screen instead of buying a new phone |
| refurbish | restore an old computer for a school |
| recycle | take devices to a certified e-waste collection centre |
4. Laws and Organisations
Ghana passed the Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016 (Act 917), to control the import and disposal of e-waste and to promote safe recycling. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) works with recyclers and manufacturers. Some phone and computer companies run take-back programmes, collecting old devices for safe recycling.
5. Reducing Paper and Printing
Computers can also reduce environmental impact. Reading documents on screen instead of printing them saves paper and trees. When printing is necessary, print on both sides, check the document carefully first to avoid reprinting, and recycle used paper and empty ink cartridges.
6. What Learners Can Do
- Switch off the computer and monitor at the end of each laboratory lesson.
- Report devices that are faulty so they can be repaired early.
- Avoid printing unless it is necessary.
- Tell family members not to throw old phones and batteries into the rubbish.
- Share information about e-waste with friends through posters and talks.
New words
- energy-efficient
- Using less energy to do the same job.
- refurbish
- To clean, repair and restore a used device.
- surge protector
- A device that protects electronics from sudden rises in voltage.
- take-back programme
- A scheme where companies collect old products for recycling.
Summary
- Save energy by switching off, using sleep mode and choosing efficient devices.
- Reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish and recycle electronic devices.
- Ghana's Act 917 controls e-waste and promotes safe recycling.
Class activity: Green Computing Plan
- Study printed photographs of e-waste and energy-efficient devices.
- Propose five responsible practices for your school computer laboratory.
- Present your plan as a poster.
You need: Discarded keyboard, Damaged circuit board, Work gloves
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Which practice saves electricity?
- A. Switching off computers after use
- B. Leaving monitors on overnight
- C. Charging phones all day
- D. Using maximum brightness
Show answer
Answer: Switching off computers after useReduces energy use.2. Ghana's law on e-waste is the…
- A. Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016
- B. Labour Act, 2003
- C. Education Act, 2008
- D. Road Traffic Act, 2004
Show answer
Answer: Hazardous and Electronic Waste Control and Management Act, 2016Act 917.3. Repairing a device instead of replacing it reduces e-waste.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueLonger life, less waste.4. To clean, repair and restore a used device is to ______ it.
Show answer
Answer: refurbishRestore.5. Propose four environmentally responsible computer practices.
Show answer
Answer: Switch off after use, use sleep mode, repair devices, recycle at certified centres.Any four.6. Explain how refurbishing old computers helps both the environment and education.
Show answer
Answer: It keeps devices out of dumps and provides working computers to schools that cannot afford new ones.Two benefits.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction to computing
- Sub-strand
- Technology in the Community
- Indicator
- B7.1.2.1.6 – Create a component from disposed computer parts
Introduction
Some old computer parts can be given a new life. With clean, safe parts supplied by the teacher, you can design useful and attractive items, such as key holders, pen holders, photo frames and wall clocks.
1. Meaning of Computer Recycling
Computer recycling: The safe recovery, reuse and processing of materials and components from unwanted electronic equipment.
Professional recyclers sort devices, remove batteries and dangerous parts, and recover metals such as copper, aluminium and gold for reuse. Some parts, such as keys, casings and clean circuit boards with dangerous components removed, can be reused creatively. This is called upcycling.
2. Safety Rules
- Use only clean, de-energised parts supplied by the teacher.
- Never collect electronic waste from homes, dumps, repair shops or the community.
- Do not open batteries, screens, power supplies or capacitors.
- Wear gloves and safety goggles when handling parts.
- Wash your hands after the activity.
3. Design Ideas
| Part | Possible item |
|---|---|
| keyboard keys | name tags, fridge magnets, picture frames |
| clean circuit board (components removed) | coaster, wall clock face, bookmark |
| old mouse casing | small pen holder or decoration |
| computer case panel | display board or notice board |
| CDs and DVDs | mosaic art, mirrors, coasters |
4. Steps in Making the Item
Make a name plate from keyboard keys
Use old keyboard keys supplied by the teacher to make a name plate.
- Plan: sketch your name using the letters available on the keys.
- Prepare: clean the keys with a damp cloth and dry them.
- Arrange: lay the keys on a strip of card or wood in the correct order.
- Fix: glue each key firmly in place.
- Finish: decorate the edges and allow the glue to dry.
- Evaluate: check that the name plate is neat, strong and attractive.
Answer: A neat name plate made from reused keyboard keys.
5. Evaluating Your Item
When your item is finished, evaluate it. Is it useful? Is it safe to handle? Does it look attractive? How much waste did it reuse? Display the items at a class exhibition with a label explaining which parts were reused and how upcycling helps the environment.
New words
- computer recycling
- Safe recovery and processing of materials from old electronics.
- upcycling
- Reusing old items to make something of higher value.
- de-energised
- Disconnected from all power so it cannot give a shock.
- component
- A part of a larger system.
Summary
- Computer recycling recovers materials safely from unwanted electronics.
- Only clean, safe parts supplied by the teacher may be used in class.
- Old keys, boards and discs can be upcycled into useful items.
Class activity: Upcycling Project
- Plan an item using clean, safe parts supplied by the teacher.
- Make the item following the safety rules.
- Display it with a label explaining how it helps the environment.
You need: Printed photographs of e-waste, Sealed examples of discarded computer parts, Clean de-energized teacher-supplied computer parts
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Reusing old items to make something more valuable is…
- A. upcycling
- B. dumping
- C. burning
- D. deleting
Show answer
Answer: upcyclingHigher value.2. Which part should learners never open?
- A. Battery
- B. Keyboard key
- C. CD
- D. Mouse casing
Show answer
Answer: BatteryIt can leak or catch fire.3. Learners may collect e-waste from dumps for class projects.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: FalseOnly teacher-supplied safe parts.4. A device disconnected from all power is ______.
Show answer
Answer: de-energisedNo electricity.5. List four safety rules for working with discarded computer parts.
Show answer
Answer: Use only teacher-supplied parts, do not open batteries or screens, wear gloves and goggles, wash hands afterwards.Any four.6. Explain how upcycling computer parts helps the environment.
Show answer
Answer: It reduces the amount of e-waste sent to dumps and lowers the need for new materials.Less waste.
Homework
- Design (on paper) another useful item that could be made from safe, discarded computer parts.