Our Climate Commitment.

Working in digital equity and inclusion, we would be remiss not to address the impacts of Climate Change on our community. 

The science is indisputable: our planet is warming, and this will have profound repercussions for all of us. And unfortunately, the most vulnerable populations are those who are the least responsible.

At CfAL for Digital Inclusion, we recognize that the tech industry is a significant contributor to this problem. While we obviously have a passion for technology, we also recognize that rapid technological growth presents issues for the planet, such as e-waste and the over-consumption of both energy and natural resources.

In the US alone, over 41 million computers are discarded each year - that number is just computers and does not include other devices. That amounts to over 246 million pounds of e-waste added to landfills each year. Laid side-by-side, this waste could wrap around the entire planet more than four and a half times. Much of that waste still has life in it, with an approximate value of over $205 million. And increasingly powerful technology - especially when it comes to AI (artificial intelligence) and data centers - consumes massive amounts of energy and water on a warming planet.

That’s where we come in: not only do we educate our community on how to use technology responsibly, ethically, and effectively, but we also repair, refurbish, and rehome these devices, extending their lifecycle and closing the Digital Divide in our community.

At CfAL for Digital Inclusion, we are committed to extending the lifecycle of technology, limiting energy consumption and waste, and educating the community on the use of technology in a way that is both beneficial and conscious.

Computers Kept Out of Landfills

Let’s Talk About E-Waste.

America has an e-waste problem. Did you know that over 112,000 computers are discarded in the U.S. Per day? That’s 41.1 million computers per year.

While you may be due for an upgrade, most of these computers still have life in them and may just need minor repairs or refurbishment. At the same time, millions of Americans lack access to a computer, tablet, or smartphone.

The good news is, you don’t have to throw your computer away! Donate your computer to our organization, and we will:

  • Wipe the memory or destroy and replace the hard drive to protect your (or your company’s) confidential information.

  • Repair and refurbish the computer with our students.

  • Donate the computer to individuals without computer access.

Contact us today to learn more.

Let’s Talk About Energy Consumption

Just about everything we do consumes energy — whether it’s electricity, natural resources like gas or oil, water, or even food. These things generate greenhouse gases, which contribute to a warming planet. The total amount of greenhouse gases generated by an individual’s actions is called their carbon footprint, measured in CO₂e (carbon dioxide equivalent).

In the United States, the average person generates 16 tons of CO₂e per year. This is in stark contrast to the global average, which is just 4 tons of CO₂e per year*.

You can use the calculator below to determine your carbon footprint, compare it to the average, and learn how to lessen your environmental impact.