By Lorraine Lyman – Dallas South News Contributor

Technology is fascinating; even in a recession the latest, hottest advancement is sure to capture the attention of a significant portion of the population.  As a primary force of the industrial age, we owe a lot of our successes and productivity to our technological savvy.   However, what do we do when the latest gizmo renders our once favorite technology obsolete?

The latest inventions fueled by our desire for the type of growth that is highly rewarded by a traditional bottom line–only money matters–economy has for those who are not extremely careful positioned us (more than once) at odds with nature, the original source of the materials that we use to create our electronic panaceas.

Now as we begin to rethink business and the effects of the products and services they offer, we come to the table with a greater awareness that the end-of-life for electronic products that we love to use to keep us industrious, up-to-date, and in touch with others needs to keep us aligned and in-sync with nature.

To this end, 19 states including California and Texas have at this time passed laws regarding the recycling of e-waste (electronic waste).  Every state’s recycling initiatives are different.   Therefore, the policies are truly reflective of the “think globally, act locally” mantra that is often referred to in environmental circles.

Texas’ e-waste regulation passed in 2007 focuses solely on desktop and notebook computers.  H.B. No. 2714 short titled the “Manufacturer Responsibility and Consumer Convenience Computer Collection and Recovery Act” was unanimously passed by the state’s House and Senate.

Enforcement of the act began on September 1, 2008.  In Texas, consumers can recycle computer waste at the end-of-use free of charge.  In addition, manufacturers (not retailers) are the entities responsible for providing all of the information and the locations related to the recycling process, which applies to all computers including those purchased before September 1, 2008.

Residents of Texas, who are interested in recycling their computer can visit the manufacturer’s website, use www.recycletexas.org, or call 1-800-CLEANUP.   When the latest technological gadget or big ticket item renders an old faithful extinct, in many states people can now follow a collectively agreed upon process that is more eco-friendly than sending unwanted electronics to the local landfill.  In Texas, manufacturers can determine whether or not items can be reused, what parts can be recycled, and how to reduce the creation of new materials through the utilization of recycled technology.

Without the aid of the federal government, which has yet to pass national legislation regarding e-waste, consumers, businesses, and state governments like those of Texas and California have begun to develop new ways of creating and using technology that will allow us to be eco-savvy now and in the future.

As we move beyond the traditional industrial revolution in America, there will be highly successful, productive businesses that will transcend the single-minded monetary approach to commerce and adopt the Triple Bottom Line approach that includes profits, people, and the planet.  By respecting the marvels of nature we can take our ever increasingly green tech savvy world to another level.

Lorraine Lyman’s Savvy Success Unlimited organizational coaching and consulting empowers groups to embody the green movement’s values and practices and take action in ways that increase engagement, build trust, and improve the Triple Bottom Line.