The digital conversion has been delayed, now set for June 12^th, less than two weeks before broadcasters had scheduled to turn off the rabbit ears. Despite an extension for better preparedness and a potential win for the environment, the fact remains: Millions of TV’s will become useless. So get ready.

We opined before about the hazards of the digital conversion. How electronic waste is already multiplying and the inevitable surge that will hit landfills as the deadline looms. (Plus, let’s not forget the American recyclers who ship TV’s overseas where toxic components are mishandled for profit in poor places. The numbers are hard to quantify but the AP reported 50 to 80 percent of the 300,000 to 400,000 tons collected for recycling are exported.) We hope this time can be used as an opportunity for manufacturers to improve their inadequate recycling programs, and establish responsible systems across the nation like E-Cycle Washington. But we urge readers to spend some time with takebackmytv.com and check their report card. Some manufacturers--- JVC, Philips, to name a few---have yet to implement a takeback program, while Sony scored the highest marks with a B minus.

Of course, there’s always the converter box option available at Best Buy for $50-$180. Although it’s impossible to avoid the June 12th conversion, for other electronics always remember the greenest gadgets are often the ones you already own.

 

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