My colleague Sarah upgraded her cell phone to the latest generation last year, and she was thrilled to have the newest technology at her fingertips. She had to decide what she should do with her outdated phone, though.
After doing some investigation, she discovered that electronic gadgets ought to be properly disposed of or donated to organizations that may reuse or rebuild them rather than thrown out in the trash.
Thanks to Sarah, I got to know about this scenario. I became aware that many individuals don't know how to get rid of their old gadgets in the right way. And people unknowingly contribute to methods which have serious threats to both the environment and human health.
Therefore, the one social concern I have observed in my immediate environment is the expanding issue of e-waste and its effects on the environment. One of the environmental issues that is expanding the fastest is electronic garbage, or e-waste. E-waste production has increased to frightening proportions as technology develops at an exponential rate; as a result, it is now thought to be an approaching time bomb that's slowly killing our world.
Effects of e-waste on our environment
E-waste poses a number of risks to the environment. If they are not properly disposed of, harmful compounds found in electronic gadgets including lead, cadmium, and mercury can leak into the groundwater making it toxic to use completely. Next is burning e-waste puts the compounds into the air, which worsens contaminants in the air and brings in respiratory issues. The last option, incorrect e-waste disposal in landfills can contaminate the soil and have an impact on the local biodiversity. It can affect the crops directly harming human beings and animals as well.
Only 17.4% out of the 53.6 million metric tons of e-waste produced worldwide in 2019 was documented to be collected and recycled, according to the United Nations. The remaining material was either burned or dumped in landfills, adding to the environmental disaster on a global scale[1].
E-waste's negative effects on health and Economy
Exposure to e-waste can lead to significant health issues like cancer, nervous system diseases, skin diseases and respiratory problems. People who live closer to the plants where disposal activities are taking place are at greater risk. They easily breathe in the toxic chemicals released in the air and becomes the prey of the devilish waste.
It also has a big economic impact. Improper e-waste disposal and management can disrupt the tourism industry, harm local economies, and raise waste management expenses.
Technology businesses' roles in e-waste management
E-waste management is a major obligation for technology companies. They can reduce e-waste by developing equipment that is simple to fix and upgrade, hence lowering the quantity of electronic trash produced. They can also use sustainable manufacturing practices and responsible disposal strategies to ensure that their devices are appropriately recycled or disposed of.
Several businesses have already successfully implemented e-waste management solutions. Apple, for example, has created Liam, a recycling robot that can deconstruct iPhones and retrieve precious materials for reuse. Dell, HP, and Lenovo have also created take-back programs to ensure that their electronic gadgets are properly disposed of.
Solutions for e-waste management
Everyone, especially the organizations and government must all take steps to solve this growing problem.
Government should focus on promoting the economy, which focuses on reducing waste by keeping resources in use for as long as possible, is one option. This can be accomplished by repairing and upgrading electronic gadgets rather than purchasing new ones. Advertisements should show the negatives too instead of just portraying good things.
Another option is to put in place e-waste management laws and regulations to ensure that electronic gadgets are properly disposed of by the companies.
Governments can also offer incentives to companies who create more environmentally friendly products and promote responsible e-waste management practices.
Conclusion
Electronic waste constitutes a building danger disaster that is wreaking havoc on our planet. The environmental effects, health dangers, and economic ramifications of e-waste are considerable, and we must act quickly to address this rising catastrophe. We can secure a healthier and more secure future for our world by promoting environmentally friendly manufacturing practices, suitable recycling techniques, and e-waste management rules and regulations. Individuals must also take responsibility for their e-waste and properly dispose of it by recycling or giving it to organizations that reuse or repair electronic gadgets.
Let us work together to address this issue before it is too late.
References:
https://www.statista.com/topics/3409/electronic-waste-worldwide/#topicOverview
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