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City of Seattle
Legislative Department
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: City of Seattle Saving the Environment One Computer at a Time
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
6/24/2004 10:00:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
David Matthews 206 684-5199
Seattle City Council 206 684-8888
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CITY OF SEATTLE SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT ONE COMPUTER AT A TIME
Innovative computer cart does away with packing materials, speeds delivery process
SEATTLE – The City of Seattle has long been a leader in environmental stewardship. For many years the City’s procurement practices have been guided by principles of environmental sustainability. The City’s Legislative Department, home of the City Council, recently became the latest City department to display an example of those sustainability principles.
Through an arrangement with Gateway, Inc., the City’s vendor for desktop and laptop computers, an innovative strategy has been devised to eliminate bulky computer packaging for routine shipments. Together, the City and Gateway designed a shipping cart that carries up to 24 computers and their keyboards, mice and documentation, saving that many cardboard boxes, foam and other packing materials.
In addition to reducing the need for packing materials – an environmental plus – the City has seen cost savings and efficiencies in this arrangement. Whereas storage space previously had to be reserved for holding the computer boxes at delivery and after deployment until the materials could be recycled, the new cart is simply wheeled down office hallways as computers are set up, eliminating the need for empty space. Also, because the cart was designed to fit in City elevators and easily steer down hallways, computer setup can begin as soon as Gateway delivers the cart to the City, making the entire process more efficient.
“This is exactly the kind of innovative, environment minded thinking the City needs. Many thanks to Gateway for cooperating with us on this great solution,” said Councilmember Jim Compton, chair of the Council’s Utilities & Technology Committee.
“This is the essence of the sustainability concept,” said Councilmember Richard Conlin. “Here we have a metal cart designed for many uses over a long time period taking the place of cardboard, plastic and Styrofoam that is designed for one-time use. If every product were delivered in a similar way we could probably reduce the need for landfills.”
Last month the Legislative department took delivery of 36 replacement computers using these new carts.
“If it is good for the environment and saves us money, it’s a good thing,” said Councilmember Richard J. McIver, chair of the Budget Committee.
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City Council
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