A CAMPAIGN has been launched to spread awareness of the environmental issues surrounding computer equipment. The computer industry is now more damaging to the environment than aviation with over one million tonnes of equipment dumped in landfill across the UK annually.

The not-for-profit Dorchester-based company Go IT Greener says its Don’t Remove IT, Improve IT initiative is an information and resources service aimed at people in the county.

A company spokesman said: “Dorset has an impressively high level of engagement in environmental issues and through this new scheme we hope to build on that with an exciting range of accessible services.”

One of these is an ink cartridge and mobile phone recycling scheme with the company offering free local collection. Recycling is undertaken in aid of the UK-based charity ComputerAid.org Go IT Greener also wants to hear from people who are looking to buy a new computer or have an existing system.

The spokesman added: “We are offering a completely free eco-report for every computer owner in Dorset.

“We will give free advice on which products are the most environmentally-friendly so people can make their next computer purchase as green as possible.

“Our sister organisation The Dorset PC Company has experts in component upgrades and can offer a complete eco-report for your existing system to ensure that you can ‘recycle’ any existing equipment and keep your IT running as energy efficiently as possible.”

Go IT Greener was founded to provide honest and impartial advice along with practical solutions to support homes and businesses looking to making a difference to their impact on the environment.

Originally based in the West Midlands, the company relocated to Dorset at the end of 2007.

The offices are illuminated primarily by energy saving light bulbs.

All uniform and fabric equipment washing temperatures have been reduced to 30 degrees and about 20 per cent has been saved on energy bills by improving energy usage for the main computer system.

The company runs a website www.goitgreener.com which is a free international information resource.

For more information about the services provided and the Don’t Remove IT, Improve IT campaign visit the website or contact 07826 715366.