II.  Sustainability Issues

Energy: 

     While the circuits we construct in lab require a lot of power for analyzation (seeing as we have the computer and power devices on), the transistor itself is moving further and further along in terms of conserving energy.  Relatively new BJT transistors from fairchild semiconductors (specifically the FJD5555 and FJD5553) have been specified to be able to use less power than their widespread counterparts [1].  With the wide use of transistors today, advancements in power-saving components can help reduce our current energy strain.

Environment:

     The aforementioned BJT transistor also has the important environmental contribution of having lead-free terminals [1].  Each and every year there are countless electronic components thrown away which contain harmful chemicals.  As said by the Environmental Law and Policy Center, "Electronic waste is the fastest growing part of the solid waste stream." [2]  Even a small amount of toxics leaking from a landfill can damage our water supply, so with all the waste we have it can be very dangerous to the environment and ourselves.  Heeding the words of the first law of ecology, even something we wouldn't consider (such as BJT's) can contribute and connect to something else important, our water supply and our health being a perfect example.  The second law also applies, as we must remember that "Everything must go somewhere".  With all the electronics available to us, it is important to think about where they end up after they're done being used.  For example, when a computer is recycled, there are many useless parts to dispose of, such as the plastic case.  Where do these useless parts end up?  They are often burned, emitting dioxins and other pollutants into our air and ozone [5].

     Because of all the mentioned dangers of pollution and worries about energy, government groups such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission are requiring companies to work harder to improve the safety and decrease waste damage of their products.  If such companies do not conform to their standards, they have the potential to lose large amounts of money on recalls [4].  Some companies, such as Dell and HP, have set up free recycling for all of their computers sold [2].  With the common view of something such as recyclying as being tedious, making such a task free is a positive step forward.  Actions such as these are important to maintain the sustainability of our world.

Economics:

     Out of our waste, however, can potentially result in profit.  Every day, there are approximately 133,000 computers discarded by homes and businesses [3].  Every one of these computers contains materials in demand by (no surprise) computer companies.  This so called "e-scrap" taken in by recycling companies can be dismantled and the materials separated.  Once the materials are separated, they are sold to the computer companies, fully recycled.  The profit lies in the fact that the companies do not pay for these old computers, only for the cost of dismantling them.  In the last 2 years, it's reported that the profit from such endeavors has increased by 40% [3].

Equity:

     The dangers of excessive consumption without an effective waste disposal plan are such that political action and standards are necessary.  As of right now, Also, the Besel Action Network exclaims that "as much as 80% of "recycled" material is in fact not really recycled but is dumped in the poorest parts of the world" [5].  This is proof that our shortcomings in America are endangering people in other areas of the globe.  Everything connects to everything else.  International endangerment, as well as the endangerment (through pollution and harm to the environment) of our own country warrants some type of reform.  Maintaining a minimal-action attitude towards such problems is the same as not caring about our future, or the future of our children.

References:

[1] Global Sources EEtimes Asia, "BJTs with ultrafast switching save on energy", Global Sources EEtimes Asia, 14 April 2008 [Online]. Available:

                  http://www.eetasia.com/ART_8800516703_765245_NP_8ae009eb.HTM, [Accessed: 13 November 2008].

[2] Learner, Howard A., "Obsolete Electronics Pose Waste Danger", Chicago Tribune Online Edition: Environmental Law and Policy Center, December 27, 2007 [Online].

                      Available: http://elpc.org/obsolete-electronics-pose-waste-danger, [Accessed: November 13th, 2008].

[3] Hanc, John, "For the Digitally Deceased, a Profitable Graveyard", New York Times, November 12, 2008 [Online].  Available:

                  http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/13/business/smallbusiness/13SCRAP.html?ref=earth, [Accessed: November 14th, 2008].

[4] David A. Lombardo, "Another kind of Energy Crisis", BJTOnline, October 1, 2008 [Online].  Available:

                  http://www.bjtonline.com/flying/safety-matters/s/article/another-kind-of-energy-crisis-734.html, [Accessed: November 14th, 2008].

[5] Jeff Johnson, "A Tsunami of Electronic Waste," Chemical & Engineering News, Vol. 86 (21) 2008, p. 32-33, Available: 

                       http://pubs.acs.org/cen/government/86/8621gov1.html [Accessed June 3, 2008].