"Limiting disposal with GNU/Linux
Limiting the disposal of computers seems like an easy solution to
the problem of e-waste. After all, although most organizations
refresh computers every three years or so, many families, schools,
and non-profit organizations benefit from recycled computers.
Companies like Free Geek (see Resources) have recycled roughly 500
tons of computer-related scrap by refurbishing old computers and
donating them to schools and charities. To run these computers,
Free Geek installs GNU/Linux as the operating system. This choice
not only stems from the organization's philosophical view to
support Free, Libre, Open Source Software (FLOSS) programs but also
out of necessity. GNU/Linux can theoretically be installed on
computers running the bare minimum when it comes to hardware, as
Table 1 shows."