When the stimulus package was approved a couple of weeks ago, the main argument for the stimulus was to create jobs ans stimulate the economy.. However, of the 750 billion that was approved, according to different sources the sum would be between 70-90 billion allocated to green projects. Among these , the main one is on renewable energy and wind power. According to many different sources, the amount of jobs that this will actually produce vary and also in what sector. It is estimated that three million jobs will be created as a result of the stimulus plan but what has critics debating about this plan where are the jobs being created. In other words, since a lot of the plan is refitting, and weathering old buildings , most of the job creation will be localized in construction. Also, given that part of the plan will also include rebuilding and restructuring old highways that would also mean that most of it would be centered there as well. These jobs usually are not highly paid to as compared to the “green jobs” that they had initially sold the projecct on. Actually, as one crtic said, most of these green jobs are truly blue collar with the shift and emphasis that they are ultimately for environmental causes. Nonetheless, with these primary projects already set to begin albeit all crtics and supporters, we will see a change somewhat. On the other hand, what most of these “green jobs” are supoosed to do in many ways, is to replace the manufacturing jobs that were outsourced . This stimulus job creation then, with the jobs that are supposed to be created, will be in part unable to be outsourced. Given that most of it is for refitting, weathering, and building for obvious reasons will be unable to be outsourced to other countries. This, has many supporters applauding the measure of the plan.
Where to Recycle the Old Analog TV February 13, 2009
When the switch occurs on June 12 to digital TV, the old analog TV will be rendered useless unless you buy the converter box or replace your set . Theefore, although the deadline was extended from February 17, there are many people trying to replace their old sets and the problem is of how to dispose of them properly.The worst thing that you can do is to dump it it the dumpster. Because these old TVs have a sheild of lead around to prtect from radiation, this lead spilled in a landfill could leach into the environment. The results of lead poisoning have been already well documented, so no need to mention here.
For this reason, there are many organizations that have established recycling centers for these old sets. For example, the Telecommunications Industry Association’s website http://www.eiae.org allows you to click on your state and find out the centers where you can recylcle your set.
Another organization is Earcth911.com website http://earth911.com/electronics, again point to the browser and type in your zip code and you will find the centers there too.
Consumers Electronic Association or MyGreen Electronics.org website:http://www.mygreenelectronics.org again allows you to locate centers there too.
Finally, don’t forget the Goodwill stores, they will also accept and recycle your set. Their website: http://goodwill.org
There you have it four sources of information and four diffrent places that will accept your donated sets. If not, you can always apply for the converter box at : www.dtv.gov.
Green is In Indeed!! February 1, 2009
I attended a Green Conference this morning, and not only was I disappointed at the presentation, it seemed that no one there had researched or practiced their speeches, it truly became a promotional venue for the products that they had to sell. Why I write this post here, because it actually corroborated what I had originally written in this blog. Green has become a very big trend and now a very big marketing trend as well, so it did bother me to go today to what I thought would be something positive and reinforcing on now the new ideal of going green, rather it became a session of pure propaganda.
Disappointing to the end!
