Nicole (BCEagles)
Bridgewater College
One of the biggest problems is one that many of us can’t see. And there is a good reason
for that. When you get rid of your old phone or your old computer, it is not like most
things you throw away. For one thing the recycling doesn’t happen in your back yard.
Billions of pounds of old computer and technology equipment end up in developing
countries around the world. Here the toxic chemicals used in their manufacture are
recovered. This in turn causes real environmental damage in their ecosystems.
If you want to get informed on this issue watch this video:
http://www.storyofstuff.org/movies-all/story-of-electronics/
And read this infographic which I used in putting this together:
http://www.wellhome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/e-waste2.png
What are the health effects that the people who have to live with your “recycled”
electronics are feeling??
From http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/crazy-e-waste-statistics-explored-ininfographic.html
So you have recycled something. Where will it end up?? The following infographic
shows that a whole industry in recycling is at work around the globe. Each component
has a final resting place, but the people doing the recycling are creating a lot of toxic
waste in their recycling efforts. The infographic above shows some of the toxic
byproducts that are being created on Africa and Asia from consumer electronics from the
developed world.
http://www.treehugger.com/clean-technology/crazy-e-waste-statistics-explored-ininfographic.html
Is there something that I can do? Well, think before you purchase. If you are a typical
American, then you are spending a fortune on the newest technology. In the next
infographic you can see how much most are spending to keep up.
http://www.wellhome.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/e-waste2.png
Check out these statistics. If you look at the average life of electronics you will get a
sense of the problem. We are creating billions and billions of pounds of waste every year
and the manufacturers are making more and more as if resources will last forever.
Research your electronics before you buy. Here are three companies which are being
more responsible in their approach to electronics design and take back.
Best Buy- Best Buy takes back electronics that they sell thanks to their relationship with
HP.
Nokia is the highest ranked cellphone maker.
Wipro is an Indian electronics maker which has taken the top Green manufacturer of
electronics.
Some key terms to remember about Electronic Waste:
Take back: This is when a company will take back their products for direct use in
recycling or repair.
Designed for the Dump: This is when a company makes a product that is designed to be
thrown away. They count on their customers buying another one later.
E-waste: Electronic waste which must be treated differently by waste management. This
waste should not be discarded in regular trash.
CRT: The old style monitor or television tubes which contain large amount of toxic
metals.
Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) These are toxic substances used to keep electronics
components from catching on fire.
Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is the plastic normally used in consumer electronics. When
burned this produces toxic byproducts.
Lead is the fifth most widely used metal and really toxic too - it is commonly used in the
electronics industry.
So pay attention to the things you buy and consider waiting for awhile before upgrading
your electronics. Choose a responsible manufacturer which operates a take back program
that won’t ship your phone off to China or Africa. Tell your elected representatives that
you want manufacturers to be held to take back programs too. If you don’t speak up with
your votes and money, nothing will change.