James Burgett: Saving Our Planet One Computer at a Time

This week’s Kudos and Calamities installment doesn’t discuss the latest online censorship debates nor the most recent Apple developments.  In fact, this week’s Kudos and Calamities has very little to do with advancements (or conundrums) in the technological ecosystem.  This week’s Kudos and Calamities, however, commends the valiant efforts of an ex-junkie who has revolutionized the computer recycling world.  James Burgett has distributed over 16,000 repaired and recycled computers to schools and individuals who cannot afford personal computers and he properly processed thousands of tons of electronic waste annually.  James Burgett’s actions are deserving of recognition and this week’s K & C pays tribute to his ongoing efforts to protect the planet from contaminating e-waste while supplying the economically unfortunate with fully functioning computer systems.

During his teenage years, James Burgett developed a serious drug addiction and persistently scrambled for money to feed his drug habit.  While living on the streets, Burgett’s affinity toward computers manifested itself: he began to salvage discarded computers, repair them, and sell them for money which he used to fund his addiction.  Time passed and James decided to turn his life around.  Burgett conquered his drug addictions, stating that "giving away computers gave him a self image" that he no longer needed drugs to attain, and rapidly started to collect and repair discarded computers for charity purposes.  His initiative escalated, and thirteen years later, Burgett runs one of the largest computer recycling nonprofit organizations in the United States, the Alameda County Computer Resource Center.  Through his organization, James is not only distributing free computers to schools and individuals, but he is also responsible for properly disposing of thousands of tons of electronic waste that would otherwise contaminate the environment.

Recently, Burgett was featured on CNN’s "Heroes" segment, where he was commended for both his charity and environmental work.  This honorable recognition truly illuminated the efforts of Burgett, who is responsible for making the lives of hundreds of people more prosperous.  The mini-documentary was both inspirational and educational; encouraging everyone to think twice before simply throwing away an old computer which still has the potential of being repaired and reused.  James’ heartbreaking story is exceptionally inspirational; Burgett is not only helping to eliminate electronic waste contamination, but also helping the lives of hundreds of people.  James is extremely proud of his work and the work of his employees, most of whom are ex-convicts and prior drug addicts, stating that their charity work gives them a purpose to get up every morning and help others.  In addition to a personal interview with James, CNN played videos of Burgett’s moderately large warehouse, which houses stacks of reusable computer components and waste materials waiting to be repaired or disposed of appropriately.  James concludes his interview by saying that his current project is "the best thing he has ever done."

Getting into some statistics, The Alameda County Computer Resource Center is responsible for properly processing more than 200,000 pounds of electronic waste each month.  When disposed of incorrectly, electronic waste releases dangerous toxins into the environment, and thus, Burgett and his team are pioneers in the recycling and reduction of electronic waste: their efforts are helping to significantly reduce contamination and toxicity levels in their region.  Furthermore, Burgett and his team have repaired and distributed over 16,000 computers to those in need.  Burgett claims that they have had computers on all the world’s continents, and states that he has regularly contributed computers to nations such as Cambodia, Chile, and Vietnam to help with research, education, and government operations.  Individuals in need of a free computer only need to fill out a request form and to wait temporarily for their request to be examined.  Burgett’s charity initiative has helped bring additional mediums of education to the world’s economically unfortunate: he is a modern philanthropist.

In My Opinion

I cannot express how much I admire James Burgett for his valiant efforts.  Not only has he successfully found a profession in which he can wake up every morning and feel as if he has a purpose in life, but he is also helping thousands of students and adults around the world develop computer oriented skills.  Additionally, his efforts to reduce electronic waste are ground breaking. Each and every individual should be reminded by Burgett and his team that there are more efficient ways to dispose of our electronics.  Whether that may be donating the items to charity or sending the items to hazardous waste facilities, we cannot continue destroying the environment with toxins and waste.  In tribute to James and his motivational profession, I would like to personally say "thanks" for all you are doing to help save the planet and provide the economically unfortunate with functional computers systems.  As noted by CNN, James Burgett is truly a hero.

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