Project ICON (ICT Creates Opportunities for Nature) is an initiative of the Information and Communications Technology Center and the Campus Sustainability Office to encourage the donation of old and obsolete IT equipment to the project for e-cyling (recyling of electronic waste). Initially, ICON aims to create an awareness on the impact of the fast pace of technology (surfacing and release of new gadgets) and the volume of IT waste (import/export of surplus goods in the country, etc.) so proper measures can be observed to mitigate its damage to Mother Earth.
In order to achieve this, the project is designed with a three-pronged approach starting with an information campaign on the virtue of proper e-waste disposal and health hazards posed by e-wastes; as an environmental drive to ensure that these wastes are properly reused, recycled and destroyed by authorized dealers; and as a fund raising drive to support the One Million Trees and Beyond project of De La Salle Philippines.
The project supports DLSP's goal to minimize carbon emissions from Lasallian schools nationwide. High carbon footprint adversely affects the environment and is the primary culprit in climate change. ICON seeks to plant more trees which absorb carbon emissions and significantly curbs its ill effects on Nature.
Objectives
IMAGE BUILDING. The program seeks to show the Lasallian Community that the ICTC is not merely concerned about the technical services it provides to students and employees of the university. This program aims to highlight the department’s proactive stance towards caring for the environment.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS. With the lack of knowledge about the ills of mismanagement of e-waste, the project seeks to promote information about the subject in order to encourage the students to bring in E-wastes stocked in their households, or donate old gadgets to be reused or recycled.
LINKAGES. The project seeks to strengthen the linkages between the ICTC and the Campus Sustainability Office, which is the environmental arm of the university. In the future, partnerships with the city government environment office may also be considered to further spread the message and ideals of ICON.
SERVICE TO THE COMMUNITY. The project seeks to mobilize the Lasallian community (students and employees) in planting trees which could help minimize carbon emissions that are harmful to the environment starting with the support of the One Million Trees and Beyond Movement. The project also seeks to encourage members of the ICTC to plant seedlings that are bought by the ICTC through funds generated by the program to illustrate the commitment of the office to the ideals of the project.
How Project ICON works
- Students/faculty/staff donate e-waste to Project ICON
- Team ICON inventories items
- Accredited partner purchases items from ICON
- Proceeds of sale are used to purchase seedlings for tree planting drives in areas identified by Campus Sustainability Office under the One Million Trees and Beyond Project of DLSP