I have a frustrating story to share about an HP monitor, and this seemed like the appropriate place to post.

A year and a half ago I bought an HP desktop computer and 19" LCD monitor directly from HP. Since then, I've had many problems with the computer and had to replace the power supply. But until now, the bad power supply was the only e-waste created.

Then, last week, my monitor stopped working. It wouldn't power up. I called HP and was told it was no longer under warranty and that I'd just have to get a new one. I asked if they could fix it, and they would not. So I took the monitor to Leon Pang of Domino Computer in Berkeley (I mention his name because he's an awesome computer tech.) Leon opened it up, tested the circuits, figured out where the problem was, called HP to order a replacement board, and was told that they will not sell these parts. They will only sell a whole new monitor.

This is exactly the kind of business policy that is creating so much e-waste! Why replace an entire piece of equipment when all that's needed is one small part???

I intend to write a letter to HP to let them know of my dissatisfaction with this policy. Is there anything else I can do to influence their environmental policies?

'm trying very hard to eliminate as much waste from my life as possible, especially plastic waste, and I keep a record of my efforts at <a href="http://www.fakeplasticfish.com">http://www.fakeplasticfish.com</a>. I will certainly be writing up this experience there as well.