The Olympic craze has started and I can’t get enough!  Since Friday my TV has been on and I’ve been watching with awe as the athletes twirl through the air, scream down the mountain and gracefully move to music on ice.

While I was watching the opening ceremonies and they unveiled the metals I got to thinking about how much of an environmental impact these must have and what the true cost of these metals really are.  After doing some investigating, I found a very happy answer- they are made from recycled electronic waste (e-waste)! What a great idea and way to educate the world about recycled metals.  Moreover, this will hopefully bring to light the problem with e-waste, although I haven’t heard too much publicity about this yet.

The Olympic metals, which total more than 1,000, amount to 2.05 kilograms of gold, 1,950 kilograms of silver (gold metals are made of about 93% silver) and 903 kilograms of copper.  Thanks to Canada, Olympians will not only amaze us all with their talents but will also help keep 140,000 tons of e-waste out of landfills.

This is the first time recycled materials have been added to Olympic medals, which have historically been made from mined mineral deposits refined for commercial use.  Hopefully, from now on, this is the trend.

The metals hanging from the Olympians necks this year were once part of computers, monitors, printers and glass.  An amazing way to honor success and help keep the environment clean and safe.  Way to go Canada!!!