The
Problem
Thousands of computers are thrown away every day, yet millions of students and
hundreds of schools and non-profit organizations lack the computer resources
they need. The Information Age has ushered in its own problems with the environment
and created a new division of haves and have-nots
Environmental Impact
Our landfills are quickly becoming electronic graveyards. Yet we have done little
to curb this problem. Only about 4% of households and less than 20% of businesses
recycle used computers. Ironically, many of these computers are still operational
or have functioning parts. Even PCs that have reached the end of their productive
lives contain precious metals and recyclable plastics that can be recovered...to
learn more go to MOCX Fact Sheet "The Environment"
The Digital Divide
“The Digital Divide is large and does not appear to be disappearing soon. (It)
may have serious economic consequences for the disadvantaged as information skills
become
increasingly important in the labor market, and the Internet is expected
to become a primary medium for communications, commerce, education, and entertainment
in the 21st century.”...to learn more go to MOCX Fact Sheet "The Digital Divide"
Education
Demand for high tech workers is great. Of the 10 fastest-growing occupations
between 2000 and 2010 according to the BLS, eight are computer-related. The
need for skilled computer scientists -- particularly in security and database
administration -- will likely grow. The need for a tech-savvy workforce extends
beyond high tech. U.S. manufacturing, which has shed about 2 million jobs during
the last two years, faces a serious shortage of computer-literate and other
technologically skilled workers....to learn more go to MOCX Fact Sheet "Education"
Through service learning in educational institutions throughout the state, the Missouri Computer Exchange strives to reduce electronic waste while providing resources for the neediest among us.