Performance Meets Planet: How OWC Helps You Create Sustainably

Why Earth Day Matters

Earth Day serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address climate change and environmental degradation. With the world facing unprecedented ecological challenges, this day calls upon individuals, communities, and organizations to take meaningful action towards a sustainable future. It’s a time to reflect on our impact and to recommit to practices that protect our planet for generations to come.

We take that charge seriously at OWC. We design quality, high-performing, and long-lasting products to reduce e-waste, and we provide our customers ways to save on new and new-to-you gear through our robust trade-in program.

OWC’s Commitment to Sustainability

Sustainability is woven into the fabric of OWC’s operations. That means it goes much further than the products we buy and sell. Our initiatives are designed to minimize the environmental impact of operations while promoting energy efficiency and resource conservation.

• Renewable Energy Leadership: OWC’s headquarters in Woodstock, Illinois, is powered by a 500kW wind turbine, making us the first U.S. manufacturer/distributor to achieve 100% on-site wind power. This turbine generates more electricity than our facility consumes, with surplus energy contributing to the local grid.
• Geothermal Climate Control: Our geothermal heating and cooling system utilizes a closed-loop of environmentally safe liquid circulated through geo-wells over 250 feet deep. This system efficiently regulates building temperatures year-round, reducing reliance on conventional HVAC systems.
• Solar Energy Integration: Complementing our wind and geothermal systems, we’ve installed solar panels at our Woodstock and Austin, Texas locations. These panels further reduce our carbon footprint and exemplify our commitment to harnessing clean energy sources.
• Waste Reduction Efforts: OWC recycles 97% of its solid waste materials, demonstrating our dedication to minimizing landfill contributions and promoting a circular economy.

Tech Tips for an Eco-Friendly Earth Day

Embracing technology doesn’t have to come at the expense of the environment. Here are some ways you can celebrate Earth Day with sustainable tech practices:

1. Trade-In and Upgrade Responsibly: Through our site SellYourMac.com, OWC offers a seamless trade-in program for your old Macs, iPhones, iPads, and more. By trading in your devices, you not only receive value towards new gear but also ensure that your old tech is refurbished or recycled responsibly.
2. Extend the Life of Your Devices: Instead of replacing your tech, consider upgrading components like RAM or storage. OWC provides a range of DIY upgrade kits that can breathe new life into your existing devices, reducing electronic waste.
3. Optimize Energy Settings: Adjust your device settings to conserve energy—enable sleep mode, reduce screen brightness, and unplug chargers when not in use. These small changes can lead to significant energy savings over time.
4. Recycle Responsibly: If your devices are beyond repair or upgrade, ensure they are recycled through certified e-waste recycling programs. Proper recycling prevents harmful materials from entering landfills and allows for the recovery of valuable resources.

Celebrate Earth Day by Streaming Kiss the Ground Free on Amazon Prime

Just in time for Earth Day, the groundbreaking sustainability documentary Kiss the Ground is now available to stream for free on Amazon Prime Video.

This inspiring 2020 film reveals the overlooked power of healthy soil to reverse climate change. And the story doesn’t stop there—its powerful sequel, Common Ground, is also now streaming, free for Prime members.

At OWC, we’re deeply proud to have played a part in the production of these films. Be sure to check them out on Amazon Prime Video.

Join Us in Making a Difference

This Earth Day, let’s harness Our Power to protect Our Planet. At OWC, we’re committed to leading by example and empowering our community to make environmentally conscious choices. Together, we can drive the change needed for a sustainable future.