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Ethan Benjamin Gabriel

Mr. Ceccato

ICS3U8G-a

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2019

Environmental Stewardship & Sustainability Assignment

Living in the 21st century, society has come a long way with computers, and programming. When

the first set of computers were released, the world took a huge turn towards technology and using it to our

advantage. Now, as we are constantly revising and improving our technology to utilize every day, we are

learning more about ourselves, and about programming. In my opinion, stewardship refers to caring for

the planet, the planet that God has blessed us with. The main importance is not the use of computers, but

making computers ergonomically friendly to improve our working environment/workspace.

Ergonomics are an essential part of human life, as it makes work life, and daily life more efficient

and less painful. According to Dohrmann Consulting, ergonomics refers to arranging, designing, or

creating workplaces, systems, products, and machines, which are comfortable to hold and control by the

people who use them (Dohrmann Consulting, 2014). Computer users spend numerous hours in front of a

screen, either coding, gaming, programming, developing, etc. With all this work, its important that

computers, and using them, is very ergonomic, to benefit our time using the computer. According to

Invorma, a major problem with sitting in front of the computer for hours each day is neck and back pain

(Invorma, 2019). This can be solved if the computer is at a perfect eye level (which prevents straining

your neck) and your chair is in a comfortable sitting position (to prevent back pain). Also, including

cushions under your palms will prevent any hand pains in the future. According to the University of

Pittsburgh, your desk, chair, type of computer, monitor and computer position/location, and many other

factors are carefully planned out to make a computer work station safe and ergonomic (University of

Pittsburgh, 2018). A desk should hold all your objects (mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc) at a comfortable

and reachable position with minimal effort needed. The chair should be comfortable and placed at the

right height for typing and viewing your screen. Using a computer and monitor rather than a laptop will

help prevent straining any muscles. These are some important aspects to remember about a computer

work station.
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Not only are economic an important part of computing, but the time spent on a computer can

have a huge impact on you. When too much time is spent on a computer, computer addiction can

commence. A very evident example within my friends is computer gaming for long periods of time. For

many days, my friends will be gaming for hours, staying up to complete levels. This is a great example of

fo a computer addiction. According to addictions.com, some physical symptoms of computer addictions

include headaches, migraines, dry eyes, vision problems, neck and backaches, and some emotional

symptoms are increased anger when being disturbed and the feeling of loneliness (addictions.com,

2019). There are numerous negative effects on computer addictions, such as lowered self-esteem due to

lack of social interaction, poor personal hygiene, weight gain from sitting down for long periods, and many

more effects. (addictions.com, 2019). Fortunately, there are many ways to get rid of or lower computer

addictions. Parents can limit computer use for their children to prevent them from getting addicted. To do

this, they can simply turn off the electrical current to the computer after a certain amount of time, or just

disconnect the wifi router! Addicts can try to spend more time doing chores, sports, or just sleep, which

will reduce their time from interacting with their computers. On the internet, there are many websites, and

phone numbers where you can reach out to get help from. For example, Computer Gaming Addict

Anonymous, or CGAA, has a website which you can call or chat with an anonymous person who will help

you with your computer addiction needs. (CGAA, 2018).

Even though our computers are evolving and advancing, the parts used in each piece of is

important, before the machine is built, while the product is being used, and most importantly, where it

goes after being disposed of. There are many places in Markham where we can dispose of products to be

reused. A perfect example is at Apple. For any apple products you bring in, they will reuse all metals and

items that are in good condition, and will responsibly dispose of parts that are not able to be used again

(apple, 2019). In the city of Markham, there are numerous chances and places to drop of unused

electronic devices which will be properly disposed of. For example, the Markham Village Depot, located

on Highway 7, is a center or throw away all old and unused electronic devices. In the center, volunteers

help dismantle and properly dispose of electronic parts (Markham, 2018). There is a very good reason

why we should divert e-waste from landfills and that has to do with the contents within our technological

products. According to the Recycling Council of British Columbia, the materials used in electronics are a
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great hazard to our health, to animals, and to the environment (RCBC, 2019). Releasing these terrible

chemicals into the atmosphere will ruin our earth faster than expected. For example, according to Mayer

Metals Corporation, if e-waste is mixed with landfills, the contaminents will slowly sink into the

groundwater, affecting the sea animals and our drinking water. This is very harmful to the food we eat and

our health (Mayer Metals Corporation, 2019). Therefore, diverting e-waste from landfills will ensure that all

electronics are recycled in the proper way. This will definitely save our environment from unwanted toxins

from electronics and any e-products.

In conclusion, not only is having an ergonomic working environment important, however, all the

aspects of a computers life, before, during, and after it been with you is crucial to human life on earth.

Computers have such a massive impact on society as it is developing our brains to either become more

logical, create negative side effects with new addictions, or make our environment more green and eco-

friendly. Stewardship is shown throughout this whole piece of writing because we must care for other

people, animals, the environment and most importantly, ourselves when working with computers.