Monica Schaffer

The Speaker, introduced by Mary W., was Monica Schaffer, highly qualified UBC chemical & biological engineer & waste management activist. Her topic, Where Do Old PCs Go When They Die?, dealt with the increasing, environmentally damaging problem of "e-waste" - the responsible disposal of electronic equipment from our "replace & throw-away" society. Her research has taken her to many parts of Canada to collect data on the inpact of this waste on our air, water & soil. This is a huge problem, worldwide. In 2004, 13,000 tonnes of e-Waste went into our Vancouver landfill alone! Many so-called recycling efforts just send the e-Waste to other countries: 400,000 units to Nigeria, for instance. There they pollute the environment & poison the people. Of particular concern, for example, are the brominated fire-retardant chemicals added to the plastic cases of computers & printers, etc. These are acted upon by sunlight & leach out in the soil & water, ending up in the plants, animals & fish of our food chain. The products of the natural chemical reactions to this pollution effect our brains & glandular systems: endocrine, thyroid, etc. they have even been found in human mothers' milk! Monica was thanked by Angie J. Meeting was adjourned. Best e-Gards, Harreson Lovick HR Lovick is Your Computer Support Team "Harreson goes the extra mile." - client testimonial