The good side of computers ...
Many of us have personal computers. They assist us in our work, enhance our creativity, and even provide entertainment. And by lending their excess processing power you can help global warming research or find a cure for diseases. (You don't have to understand all the scientific mumbo-jumbo of the research to participate - just download the software following the simple directions...)
Help scientists analyze global warming models
The climateprediction.net experiment has been developed to allow a state-of-the-art climate prediction model to be run on home/school/work computers. By getting data from thousands of climate models, they can generate the world's largest climate prediction experiment.
Help find a cure for cancer, Alzheimer's or other diseases
Most of us have known people who have suffered from these diseases and would gladly do this ... if only it were possible.
But it is! With the help of your PC - and the PCs of 5,999,999 other people - we can help create the world's largest supercomputer that can perform the trillions of calculations and analyses necessary to conquer these diseases and others.
This "virtual supercomputer" uses peer-to-peer technology to make unprecedented amounts of processing power available to medical researchers from Oxford University and Stanford University, thus accelerating the development of treatments and drugs with the potential to cure diseases.
If your home or office has a PC that's just a few years old or newer, it most likely will meet the relatively modest system requirements. Visit Folding@Home to find out more about this project and answer any questions you may have. From that website, you can download one of the free programs that will enable your PC to take part in this great effort.
E-Waste: What does your church and congregation do with its outdated computers?
There is a growing mountain of "e-waste" - outdated computers and related equipment. These are filled with toxic substances. A few outdated computers are recycled responsibly. However, most go into landfills and many others are "recycled" by sending them to developing nations where they are recycled in any way that's expedient - to the detriment of the health of the low-wage workers and to the environment.
Consider: Between 1997 and 2004, over 315 million computers will become obsolete in the USA. This adds up to about 1.2 billion pounds of lead almost 2 million pounds of cadmium content about 400,000 pounds of mercury in total. What does your congregation do with its old computers? Chances are, there is a company or organization that will responsibly recycle your computers for a modest fee.
Donation and recycling programs for your old computers
Preventing waste in the first place is usually preferable to any waste management option...including recycling. When you outgrow your computers, cell phones and other equipment, and pass them onto new users, that's reuse.
If donation for reuse or repair is no longer practical, you can send your used electronics for recycling. Electronic equipment can be recycled for recovery of metals, plastics, glass and other materials. For more information ...
For more information about where you can donate or recycle your old computer...
