Now That's A Toxic Avenger!

But I was inspired by a green technology video segment on CNN about a young man who essentially saved his own life by garbage-picking for discarded computers, refurbishing them and passing them along for their own second chance. (Thanks to solution provider David Dadian of Powersolution.com for sending this my way. We've talked a lot about green technology, so I appreciate the reference.)

The video is here. (Part of the CNN Heroes series.) It's the one called "Defending the Planet" about James Burgett, a reformed drug addict (homeless at age 14) who now runs a non-profit that turns castoff computers into systems that he gives to basically anyone who really needs one and can't afford it. According to the video, the Alameda County Computer Resource Center has given away 16,000 refurbished computers to date. There's more about his Burgett's story here.

"The corporate motto is 'obsolence is a lack of imagination'. If we don't reuse our waste now, it's all that future generations will have," Burgett says to start the CNN video. In a nod to his own past, his computer refurbishing workforce includes reformed criminals and others who might not find it so easy to win a job.

OK, I'll admit it, this choked me up. So that probably reveals my bleeding heart tendencies. But set that side for a moment and think about the possibilities for your own community that could hinge on refurbished computers. Consider this my latest challenge for you to think green.

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Speaking of green, I am not getting on a plane for my next vacation, which I'll spend walking around New York City for the entire Memorial Day week. Back online on June 4-ish. Until then, have a safe and inspiring holiday week.