TECHNOLOGY'S WASTE PROBLEM

-



The rise of technology has drastically changed how we move on with our lives. However, this also contributed to the rapid growth of e-waste which became one of the environmental problems in the world. According to The World Counts, The fastest-growing waste problem on the planet is e-waste. Every year, we produce about 50 million tons of it. This is the same as throwing away 1000 laptops every second. In some areas, the amount of e-waste will increase by 500 percent in the coming years. But what is the meaning behind e-waste and how does it affect society?


WHAT IS E-WASTE?


Electronic wastes, also known as e-waste, are used electronic devices that are meant to dispose of or be thrown away when nearing the end of their useful life. E-waste is commonly associated with digital technology such as computers and smartphones, but the term encompasses all electronic waste. E-waste includes things like smoke detectors, vacuum cleaners, and fluorescent tubes. E-waste, in all of its forms, is a major environmental issue. Every year, more electronics end up in landfills, and the chemicals found in these items can harm local environments, including local water supplies if they are not properly disposed of.


RISKS OF E-WASTES


Electronic waste is toxic, non-biodegradable, and accumulates in the environment, including soil, air, water, and living things. Hazardous chemicals are frequently found in e-waste, necessitating more effort to properly dispose of them. Those chemicals can leak into the air and water if they are not properly handled. These can affect climate change due to the burning of the waste and releasing the chemicals into the atmosphere. Furthermore, this can lead to severe health problems such as cancer, neurological damage, respiratory effects, lung damage, and other chronic diseases.




WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THIS ISSUE?


As e-waste drastically generates year by year, we ask ourselves who is responsible for addressing this global problem. E-waste recycling is frequently delegated to consumers. Companies, on the other hand, are held responsible for their trash, including e-waste. Businesses generate a significant amount of e-waste, which many previously dumped in landfills or illegally dumped. Companies must find new, sustainable ways to manage their e-waste problem by making repairs, finding a reputable recycling company, donating older products, and limiting purchases.



TAKE ACTION IN REDUCING E-WASTE


There are various ways how we can minimize e-waste. The following are some solutions that an average person can do in taking part in e-waste management:

  • Buy eco-friendly electronic products

  • Donate your old electronics to organizations

  • Recycle your electronics

  • Think before you buy

  • Repair or resell your electronics


REFERENCES


Gwozd, M. (2018, March 5). E-Waste: The World’s High-Tech Trash Problem. The Green Medium. http://www.thegreenmedium.com/blog/2018/1/15/zm95hkoxgi8dhjvo7pa5dhxy29rdix


Harvard University (2021, April 12). 6 ways to minimize your e-waste. Sustainability at Harvard. https://green.harvard.edu/tools-resources/how/6-ways-minimize-your-e-waste


The World Counts (n.d.). Electronic Waste Facts. The World Counts. https://www.theworldcounts.com/challenges/planet-earth/waste/electronic-waste-facts/story

Comments

Post a Comment