You may not be aware, but World Electronic Waste Day takes place today. It is the 2nd year that it has been observed and 100 different organisations are involved.
In 2018 alone, it was estimated that 50 million tonnes of electronic waste (e-waste) was generated worldwide. It’s predicted that half of this amount is from personal electronic devices such as computers, monitors, smartphones, tablets and televisions. The other 25 million comes from larger electrical appliances such as air conditioners, ovens and microwaves for example.
In 2016, the amount of e-waste generated worldwide is equal to about 40 million tonnes. This improper handling of e-waste costs a lot due to the loss of valuable and critical raw materials from the supply chain & it causes serious health, environmental, and social problems by transferring waste to developing countries
Electronic products contain a number of toxic substances hazardous to human health, with risks to the nervous system of the brain, lungs and kidneys, as well as links to certain types of cancer. Toxic residues can leach and contaminate soil, air and water, affecting the ecosystems surrounding local communities that grow food, hunt and fish. Hazardous substances also spread to other continents through the air and sea.
What you can do
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Use your products as much as possible. This is the most effective thing you can do to minimize your e-waste and negative impact on our planet.
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Choose devices that are designed to be used for longer with repair or upgrades.
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Consider whether someone else might find your device useful when you no longer use it. Sell it or give it away.
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Recycle your device at the end of its life.
You can read another interesting, technology-related article by clicking here.
Author: PC-GR
The World of Technology
