If we kept all the computers we purchased over the past decade, the office would be impassable. Laptops and desktops, both office-owned and personal, tend to fizzle and die with their warranties. While this passing is predictable, the disposal of their bodies and inner workings provides a dilemma for many owners.

Unfortunately, you can’t burn those computers and scatter their ashes over some Rocky Mountain pass. Those machines are filled with toxic chemicals, carcinogens and heavy metals that will, eventually, leech into the ground and find a way into some water source. Fortunately, you have access to several dozen creative recycling solutions for that old computer. The ten most popular solutions are listed below, along with links to resources that provide step-by-step instructions on how to conduct each process.

1. Recycle

Recycling that old computer seems the most logical conclusion, but this process is fraught with complicated issues. How do you protect the material contained on that old hard drive? Where does that computer go once it’s left your hands? Since ID theft and e-waste smuggling operations are rife, your computer may end up in the hands of the wrong person in the wrong country.

You can eliminate the first problem by using a product like Eraser that eliminates all data on your hard drive. Your diligence in this effort will help you rest assured that you haven’t passed on any readable private data. The second solution involves discovering where that recycling center sends your computer and its parts once they take charge. According to Treehugger, developed countries have been exporting tons of electronic waste to China for inexpensive, labor-intensive recycling and disposal for years. This activity was made illegal in 2000, but smuggling, corruption, and “China’s appetite for scrap” opens doors for your old computer to take part in this nefarious cycle.

Since manufacturers want to avoid any scandal, this recycling route would be the easiest one to take. Simply send that old Dell back to Dell and the old Gateway back to Gateway, etc. Some manufacturers may charge a fee for this process. Other manufacturers may not charge a fee, but you may have to purchase packing materials and postage to send that computer back to its source. Read the Treehugger article and another article by Salon, as both pieces offer sound advice on how you can handle the computer recycling process responsibly. You can search through E-cycling’s database to find a reliable recycler near you.

2. Donate

Based on the adage that one person’s junk is another person’s treasure, you might donate that old computer. As Techsoup states, it works best if you donate your equipment to a nonprofit or school-based refurbisher rather than directly to a charity or school, especially if you need to wipe your hard drive or if you’re unsure about your equipment’s condition. Responsible refurbisher pass your equipment along to nonprofits and schools after they ensure that it’s been cleaned out and working properly. Additionally, they will dispose of e-waste after they cull through the equipment to salvage usable parts.

Free Geek is, perhaps, becoming the most well-known organization to handle this process because they salvage what they can and dispose of the rest responsibly. Although this organization is located in Oregon, plans to expand nationwide are underway. But, if you can’t wait for a Free Geek to open near you, you can find a local or regional refurbisher through Techsoup’s list, which is searchable by Zip Code.

Finally, if you cannot find a local refurbisher, you might go directly to those who need used computer equipment. Online resources like Share the Technology offer ways for you to connect directly with organizations that need specific equipment through matches. If you can’t find a match, you can post an offer to donate and wait for someone to contact you.

3. Resell

Yes, you can sell that idle or dead computer locally, but you’ll find more buyers through an option like eBay. eBay is involved with the Rethink Initiative that makes it easy for you to deal with all your used electronic equipment. You can sell the items yourself through eBay (they provide you with a checklist before you sell that computer), or you can use three solutions:

• Trade in your old technology for PayPal cash
• Find a drop-off or pickup location through Zip Code search where those folks will sell your equipment on eBay for a percentage; 3) Find a local trading assistant who can handle the selling process for you.

The market value for used computers drops dramatically after two years, so don’t expect to make a fortune when you go this route. You can search through places like the Used Computer Mall to make sure that you’re asking and receiving fair market value. If your computer is more than three years old, your best bet is to recycle or donate – but the latter option might be limited for computers that are less than five-years-old.

4. Recycle, Donate, Resell (aka: Cannibalize)

This option is for the person who wants to sell old equipment by parts, much like you would dissect an old automobile or motorcycle for parts sales. Some peripherals, for example, are perfect for reuse; computer cords and speakers are fairly standardized, meaning they can be used for a variety of computer models and makes. You could hold onto those items or resell them for a higher price than equipment that’s outdated or damaged.

Other materials, like ink cartridges or one-time-use CDs and disks, are more difficult to deal with. Earth911 offers a Zip Code search engine that lists companies and organizations where you can take those items for recycle or donation. When you list items for sale on eBay or through other venues, be sure to include the name of the component, part and serial number, and any other pertinent information so that the buyer can find those parts easily and you won’t waste time answering questions.

5. Return

Companies like Gateway and HP have trade-in programs where you can deduct a certain amount from the cost of a new computer or receive a credit toward merchandise. You can also trade that laptop in for a TigerDirect gift certificate. Once again, you will receive fair market value, which may not be enough to purchase a keyboard. Be prepared for that possibility.

6. Keep it in the family

A five-year-old system may contain too many bugs for useful service, but it may have potential as a learning tool for those kids or cousins who are potential electronics geeks. They can tear that system apart and rebuild something useful (offer them the ideas below). Make a deal where they will recycle or donate any parts they don’t use in the process. If your computer remains functional, let the kids play with it after you remove all sensitive material and install instructional games. Once the kids have destroyed the computer beyond belief you can make a decision about where to go from there.

7. Dedicated Jukebox/Recording Box

If you’ve accumulated so many digital music files that they would consume half the hard disk in your new computer, use the old system to play your MP3 files. You can transfer the files to CD and then connect your sound card’s 1/8-inch stereo plug to a pair of RCA female plugs using a Y cable. Although this solution isn’t portable, it’s cheaper than any hand-held MP3 player.

If you connect a keyboard to your computer’s MIDI port (or – better yet – use a wireless keyboard/mouse combo), you can add your two cents to your music repertoire. You may want to replace your sound card, install some sequencing software, and add more memory if you think the computer will hold up for another year or so. These additions will add to the quality of your efforts.

8. Upgrades/Downgrades

If your computer is less than five-years-old, why not replace a few items rather than purchase a new computer? Upgrade your memory, add a larger hard disk, or replace that CRT monitor with an LCD. For less than one-third the price of a new computer (in most cases) you can eek out a few more years on that computer. This option can help you save your bucks for next-generation systems that will arrive in another two years or so. On the other hand, you can quench that yen for a new computer, but continue to milk the old one for all that it’s worth if you save it for use as a simple word processor. Remove all extraneous software and documents including images and music, and defrag the disk so that you have plenty of space and speed for new documents. You can use the new machine for all your high-tech options and use the older system for all the grunt work. If you feel that the older computer may die on you without notice, just back up documents to CDs as you create them.

9. New Servers/Home Automation

Thiravudh Khoman offers some uses for old 486 computers, but his ideas can be utilized in newer machines as well. Use the old computer as servers for your printer or other apps, as a space to save files, as a backup and/or as a Windows server station. If you’re capable of adding X10 devices, you can use that old system to automate your home (make your coffee, regulate your thermostat, etc.). Scour Automated Home for some of their most popular ideas.

10. Get Creative

Laptop carries a few of the most innovative ideas on how to reuse computer parts, no matter if they belong to your laptop or your desktop. Turn an old keyboard into a wallet or turn an old laptop into a weather/news station with Yahoo! widgets. You can also recycle parts and use the remaining cabinets as pet houses, or paint them and use them for bookshelf or knick-knack units. If you hand these empty units over to the kids to build a playhouse, make sure that you wrap any sharp edges with foam and/or layers of duct tape.

You can always simplify your life and leave the computers on the front lawn with a sign, “Free computer.” Or, you can offer it to someone on Gigoit.com or at Freecycle. Just remember to erase or overwrite that hard drive and realize that personal information can be stored on flash memory cards, floppy discs, tapes, DVDs and CDs as well. But, it’s worth the effort to take responsibility for that old computer when you’re ready to let go. The earth and its six + billion inhabitants (not including animals) will thank you.

I have countless cotton T-shirts at home. Some are in my dresser, others are in under-the-bed storage containers, and there are probably another dozen at my parents’ house.

1. T-shirt bag

This one is one of my favorites. Not only are you reusing something, you’re getting something useful out of the deal too. It’s pretty simple, and it could make a great gift or gift bag. Plus, you get to pick your pattern!

2. Pillows

I’d totally take one of these on a road trip or plane, though I’d opt for the square pillow rather than the T-shirt-shaped one. And instead of buying stuffing, you can use the leftover shirt scraps and even entire shirts.

3. Rags

This option is perfect if it’s an ex’s shirt or one that’s too old to look good in bag or pillow form. No read directions for this one: Just tear or cut the shirt into pieces, or use it whole.

4. Pet toys

If you’re dog is less destructive than mine, these toys might work for you.

5. Underwear

If you’re a sewing whiz, here’s a site with directions and a pattern for making your own undies from a shirt. Or, for less effort but more money, Solojones will do it for you.

6. Wall art/decor

Some T-shirts are so cute they could be artwork. So make it happen! Frame your art in a shadowbox, or use it as fabric on chairs or other furniture.

7. Quilts

Another option for you crafty ones. Quilts would make great gifts, and particularly soft shirts could end up as baby blankets

8. Scarf

It’s starting to cool down again in Chicago, but one of these should help you stay warm.

9. Rag rug

Crocheting is a need-to-know for at least this tutorial on making a rug, but it might be worth learning for such an awesome, useful final product.

10. Napkins

Be super-duper eco-friendly by turning decent quality shirts into cloth napkins. Just cut into rectangles and sew!

And if you have any ideas for reusing those old shirts, bring ‘em on!

Waste can be anything from physical objects that become litter on the ground to chemicals and other environmental pollutants. Many people want to be able to reduce the amount of waste they contribute to their city, but it can be hard to know where to start. Here are 10 ways people can make a difference without even going too far out of their way.

1. Recycle

Local recycling centers all have bins that can be purchased to separate recyclables from the trash. Most cities also offer a pick-up service either weekly or bi-weekly.

2. Reuse

Another of the three ‘R’s, reusing as many things as possible seriously puts a dent in the amount of trash that goes out. Did the queen size sheet get torn? It doesn’t need to be thrown out because there are lots of people who could make use of the fabric. Same applies for broken down electronics and furniture.

3. Drink water

A filter for the refrigerator is a great way to prevent a plastic bottle build up in the trash can and keeps people healthy too.

4. Volunteer

There are many highways that need to be cleaned up and anyone can volunteer to do it. If that seems overwhelming, even just picking up one piece of trash from the ground a day can make a difference over time.

5. Keep a cup

Refills are available at a lot of gas stations and food places. Many will sell special cups that are able to be washed and will offer a discount on the price of a drink when refilling that cup.

6. Avoid over-packaging

Besides asking for paper instead of plastic, people should also consider the packaging on the things they buy. Single wrapped bread, bulk items, and reusable container products all reduce potential waste.

7. Cook

Cooking in the home means fewer wrappers, packages, and other pre-made food waste. It also gives the opportunity to make healthier meals and create smaller portions.

8. Careful shopping

Some products want people to pay more because they will last a lot longer. Despite the higher prices, that’s a good reason for people to make the extra investment. It will save the environment and even a wallet to buy a product once and have it last for ten years than buy a product for a third of the price and throw it out every year.

9. Buy an upgradeable computer

Technology is always advancing and city dumps are filled with leftover computer parts. Most computers can be upgraded so rather than buy a new one to keep up with the times a person can simply buy new parts to install. Computer stores and shops can help with this process.

10. Go hybrid

There are many models of hybrid cars now and all of them cut down on the amount of gas a person needs to use. It’s a great option for those who can afford it and some people may even be eligible for a tax break when the make the purchase.

By now you have likely heard of the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a tragic byproduct of the plastics industry and consumerism that is an island of garbage floating in the northern Pacific Ocean. Originally the size of Texas and approaching the size of the Sun, this gargantuan pile of plastic is collected by currents that swirl around in a big circle. Most of the debris is picked up from the shores of both China and North America that sandwich it.

As plastic never goes away, it eventually crumbles up into tiny bits (photo-degrades). These bits of plastic enter the food supply and are passed from the jelly fish all the way back up to humans where it is stored in their livers (that part is only fair). Plastic also pollutes the water with PCB’s (Polychlorinated Biphenyls, dangerous carcinogens and hormone disruptors). While no one person is to blame, every person has contributed to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch (it’s a safe bet the Atlantic also has one lurking somewhere).

Whether one throws litter on the ground or trusts in their municipal trash companies to do it for them, everyone throws away plastic and it ends up in the ocean and then back in our bodies.

While some say cleanup is impossible, hopefully someday someone will find a solution. Perhaps they will find a way to convert plastic to energy (it is made of oil after all), and they can make a ship refueling station out there that will produce energy from plastic. Or perhaps nanotech robots can disassemble it and bring it to the recycler. (Such technology would be extremely dangerous as it would have to be careful not to accidentally disassemble Kenny Rogers face). In the meantime there are many things people can do to at least help prevent this pile of garbage from getting any larger.

1. Avoid Products that use Plastic to Begin With

Plastic is made from petroleum hence it is so ubiquitous today. Plastic is convenient but most of the cheaper grades (the clear stuff) find its way into our food, often leaving a film on anything that is wrapped in it and which we then eat. Microwaving anything in plastic cooks plastic residues right into the food, vaporizing other chemicals that contaminate the food and air. Consider the amount of sheer waste a single meal or even serving produces (Kraft Singles is second only to Individually Wrapped Breaths of Air ™ in the Most Wasteful Products Award). Reuse glass or Tupperware containers for leftovers instead of plastic wrap. Store water in the high grade blue plastic bottles only. Prefer cheese that is made from raw milk.

2. Kick the Bottle

High on the list of most wasteful products is Individually Wrapped Drinks of Water, a lingering 1990’s fad for those pretending to be health conscious. Picture a lake compared to a lake of plastic bottles and that is basically what we now have in the Pacific. Corporations are taking over town aquifers and selling it back to the people for $2 per bottle. Shipping one bottle of water costs on average 1/3 bottle of fuel. It is best to filter or distill your own water and use metal or glass containers. Companies like Nalgene make trendy reusable water containers of high grade plastic. Opt for tap water with lemon in restaurants. Note: wait staff seem trained to always supply a plastic straw with every drink (probably so you don’t notice the lipstick on the rim of the glass), so remember to request no straw with your drink.

3. Recycle or Reuse Materials

Plastic can be recycled and you will find that when you start recycling you at least save money on trash bags. Many containers can be washed out and reused (though they should be sterilized with apple cider vinegar). Note that only the higher grade plastics can be reused.

4. Choose Products with Biodegradable Plastic

Now many plastic cups along with packaging peanuts and other supplies are available in a biodegradable form. Companies like Ecosafe and Natur-Tec are providing real solutions to the plastic problem.

5. Repair, Sell or Upgrade Gadgets

Many people run out and buy the latest new cell phone or iPod more often than needed, discarding their old phones in the rubbish where they not only add to plastic landfill but also leak out various other contaminants like Mercury. Meanwhile older components, while larger, are often superior as they tend to be constructed of much more solid materials. By repairing your items you can keep things in top shape much longer. Tackle small problems when they arise. Take the time to fix things right. Buy used products when possible and sell your items when they are no longer needed. Prefer products that offer replacement parts.

6. Recycle Computer Parts

If you must discard items like monitors or printers, at least take them to an electronics recycler. Staples accept old monitors, etc. for a small fee.

7. Use Cloth Grocery Bags

While this is more of a challenge for men as they look like pocketbooks, it is important to avoid bringing home so many plastic bags. Cloth bags can help. Some shoppers at the farmers market seem afraid to let any vegetables touch any other vegetables, insisting that each be individually wrapped. A better method is to use as few bags as possible, to reuse those taken, recycle them when they tear, and especially to avoid using them to begin with by bringing your own bag. Eventually this will save money as stores are considering charging for them.

8. Do Sweat the Small Stuff

The worst pieces of plastic are the tiny bits. These are the ones that birds, turtles and fish mistake for food and eat and then can’t pass them. Eventually these poor animals become full of plastic and they die of starvation, or they are consumed by larger animals and the process continues. After these animals die, the plastic is the only part that is left behind where it kills again.

9. Don’t be a Litter Bug

Many feel that if they don’t litter, they will be putting the garbage man out of a job. Some will simply chuck their used car batteries (full of sulfuric acid) into the woods behind their home. The truth is that this debris will persist for decades and humans leave enough of a footprint without adding insult to injury. In the 1970’s there were TV commercials with Woodsy Owl reminding us to “Give a Hoot Don’t Pollute”. In today’s corporate controlled media the best we get is talk about the Carbon Tax. Even the threat of Nuclear War is brushed aside by the media in favor of the War on Drugs, the War on Terror, and the War on Manners.

10. Clean up your Neighborhood Ponds

Many neighborhoods have small ponds containing water that is cleaner than their municipal tap water. These ponds are often teeming with fish and turtles that help keep them pure. Sadly however these ponds (and wildlife) are normally loaded with plastic debris. By taking 15 minutes each week, one person can really help clean up their neighborhood. The process is surprisingly relaxing and the animals will appreciate it. Do note that random passerby will think you are out on parole, so wearing an orange jumpsuit is not recommended. Ideally, organize a neighborhood trash pickup (nowadays that may require legal waivers in case participants obtain a boo boo).

It’s all well and good getting these fancy energy saving gadgets, but what do we do with all the old gadgets we’ve got? Recycling electronic devices is not that easy, so here are 10 eco-friendly ways to recycle your gadgets rather than send them to landfill.

1. Sell your stuff on eBay

ok, so that’s an old tip, but it’s worth getting some cash for your gadgets first of all. The best form of recycling is reuse.

2. Swap your old mobile phone for cash

there are a number of companies who will give you money in return for your old mobile phone. There are lots to choose from, so shop around to find the one that pays the best!

3. Give your gadgets away to friends and family

if you know someone who’d appreciate something you no longer need, just give it to them. It’ll probably make their day, and your unwanted electronics get another use.

4. Give away your gadgets on Freecycle

If you’ve never heard of Freecycle, it’s basically a local group where you offer bulky items you no longer want for free. It’s designed to give items a second home that you couldn’t otherwise sell. So if you have no friends or family, Freecycle is a great option!

5. Send your stuff back to the Manufacturer

Companies such as Dell and Apple now have their own recycling programmes, where they’ll recycle your old computer or ipod for free.

6. Use a professional recycling service

this kind of service will safely and appropriately dispose of your electrical waste. Increasingly, there are tighter regulations for safe waste disposal, potentially resulting in large fines if you don’t comply.

7. Give your old computer another purpose

If you have a old computer, you could use it as a home server, photo frame or something else. Just be wary, old computers are not always that energy efficient.

8. Find a local recycling center

myGreenElectronics and earth911 both have zip-code searches so that you can find local recycling points near you. The search results will tell you the type of facility (such as a charity, business, or service) and exactly what you can recycle there.

9. Ask for ideas

if you have something very specific to recycle, but have no idea on how to recycle, then just ask some fellow eco-enthusiasts how do I recycle this? You’ll get plenty of useful ideas on just about everything you can think of, and not just gadgets!

10. Turn your gadgets into furniture

if you’re  artistic, you could turn your old computers into furniture. It might not be very comfortable, but at least it’s eco friendly