While driving home tonight I found myself sitting with cell phone in hand and head piece hanging over my ear, and, I realized I was not on the phone or waiting for a call. I was just "staying connected." It made me think of our incessant need to stay "online" and accessible. In the mountains. On the beaches. At amusement parks. It seems that in today’s world, one can find tech connection anywhere one wants. But do we ever find real connection? Perhaps our infatuation with technology is to fight off the emptiness we feel in other areas. Worth further exploration in the future . . .

For now, our endless e-infatuation is resulting in a global trade of toxic e-waste. Somewhere between 50 to 80 percent of the over 300,000 tons (yes tons!) of computers, cell phones, printers etc. end up in landfills overseas, releasing a cocktail of toxic chemicals as they are broken down for their parts. So do your research in recycling and reusing. Companies such as Dell, Apple, HP and Sony now take back their products at no charge. As for those free recycling programs often promoted as fundraisers, many simply move the contamination abroad. For more information, talk to your local waste management facility and visit sites such as Basel Action Network (including those who have signed the Electronic Recyclers Pledge of True Stewardship), Computer Take Back , and International Association of Electronic Recyclers