In a short period of time, we had become so technologically advanced that we are being bombarded with new types of devices and technologies nearly every day. It is really mind-blowing how rapidly we are advancing and we are very proud of the many amazing things we have accomplished today in healthcare and much more and the numerous great minds behind those accomplishments. But in everyday life we use so many different kinds of electronic devices, that we are pretty regularly replacing and not handling their waste properly, that we are causing a very damaging effect on the environment. For example, what often time happens is that we purchase the latest and pretty expensive model smartphone in one day and only after about a year (it could be even less), it had become” old news”. There comes a better one on the market that we just need to lay our hands-on. And hopefully, we will be able to afford it! We buy that device, being happy with it for some time, only until the next model arrives, and then we discard it. This goes for so many different items, not only for smartphones but also for computers, tablets, televisions, music systems and pretty much everything that runs on electricity. This, of course, does not fully apply to everyone, as undoubtedly there are still some people, who do not use any kind of electronics and technology. Sometimes we envy those living a simpler life!
It seems like the younger the generation, the more technologically involved it becomes. Almost every child we see today has at least a smartphone, if not also a tablet, laptop and some kind of platform to play games on. If he doesn’t, he will feel left behind. And there is nothing wrong with that, let the kids play (with moderation, of course). The problem comes when we want to get rid of this item and when we do not manage the electronic waste (or e-waste) properly, by causing it to become a potential hazard for the environment and to ourselves.
The Sustainable Initiative Fund (SIFT) has been deeply concerned about the management of the e-waste in Canterbury. By organizing events and inspiring the community on bringing ideas for possible solutions and funding, many people had been able to do some great work on the handling of this matter for the region.
When electronic waste is mishandled it releases into the air, soil, water all kinds of toxic substances that are extremely harmful. Hundreds of chemicals, including lead, mercury, beryllium, cadmium, brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and much more nasty stuff are finding their ways into groundwaters, endangering species, and over time, irreversibly damaging ecosystems. Many of these substances stay in the environment for a very long time, as they do not break down easily. The e-waste also has a damaging impact to the atmosphere, because when warmed up, all the toxic chemicals are being released into the air.
What Can We Do?
Many people are simply not aware of the dangers behind e-waste and are disposing of it improperly, so it can eventually find its way into landfills, where most of the times stays and imposes risks. The electronic industry is rapidly growing and producing a crazy number of products every year as undeniably there is the continuous search for them by all of the consumers. But there is a lot we can all try to do about the electronic waste problem. For example, we can try to minimize the unnecessary shifting from one devise to another. If we do take a good care and keep maintaining all the best practices, we can significantly increase the lifespan of the product. In the cases when our devices are in need of repair, we can try and do that, instead of tossing them away for new. When it comes to computers, rather than buying another, we can update the hardware, or replace it, and make it work as brand-new. There are also many good cause charities all around the world, organizing events and donation drives for fundraising, so why don’t we try and help another soul by doing at the same time a good thing, and simply give those devices for donation. Another great alternative is to recycle them, which saves energy and keeps them away from landfills. Many of the manufacturers and retailers are happy to take our used devices too. Just do not forget to wipe all of your personal data from the device’s memory, because it is our own responsibility to make sure that the personal information cannot fall into the wrong person’s hands. All parts and materials of the device can be used again and again (when properly recycled) and in this way, we are cutting costs and protecting our Mother Nature. We must take care of our environment because a healthy ecosystem provides us with all of the natural resources we need to keep on living – clean air, fresh water, food, and everything essential to us and all creatures living on the planet.
