Master E-Waste

A new year or couple of years, we are introduced to a new computer, electronic device aka our electronic toys and gadgets. What do we do with our old electronics now it’s e-waste?

The marketing of these products has led people to become starved consumers for possession and ownership of the next prized, greatest and coolest gadget - and we toss the old one away, since it’s easier and cheaper- into the garbage bin. Meanwhile, a majority of this waste is quickly accumulating in our landfills as obsolete electronics, which contains hazardous contaminants to our environment, such as ;

– brominated flame retardants
– chlorinated solvents
– heavy metals (lead and mercury)
– polyvinyl chloride (PVC)
– arsenic
– cadmium
– beryllium

Processing and treatment of water is not a exact science. For now, we have guidelines set out by the World Health Organization (WHO) and is shared with others around the world. Each process will differ and be based upon the best studies for the area. Can you imagine a world where we do not have enough water treatment facilities, to provide clean water? or are unable to clean specific toxins out of the water?

Soil contamination should also be a concern. Contaminants in the soil will cause the inability for plant growth such as crops due to pollutants in the soil or the plant itself will contain toxins. These are carried by rainfall into the soil from the air and surface of buildings, leaky storage containers, etc. Straight into the ground. It’s already been realized by scientists that since the 1970's , great soil and water contamination has already occurred - clean-up is difficult and at great financial cost.

Environmentalists are calling for manufacturers to design ‘green’ and strive for sustainability. This means- create a product with less waste, less toxins, and longer life. A step that could help prevent the overflow of e-waste and improve life for you, me, our children and their future. Can you imagine leaving a cleaner world behind?

The European Union has already started taking steps which other nations should follow or least pay attention. It’s called Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) which makes manufacturers responsible for the entire life cycle of their products including disposal and any resulting bad environmental and human health effects, especially if products contain toxic materials.

The Basel Ban was created to prevent the shipping of e-waste to under developed countries in hopes to prevent the ill health effects from the disposal of hazardous materials of electronics waste. Methods used to salvage prized wire, metals and gold such as burning - releases noxious fumes containing carcinogens, that settles upon the people, wildlife, land and water. A cycle of disease and disabilities may already be in development.

Television, radio and other media sources have made announcements on recalls of toys, foodstuffs and other consumer items due to high levels of various metals. Closer examination of some of these metals have found they originated from circuit boards. Canada and the USA are sources of shipping out this e-waste. Is it time for us to request that more responsible and aggressive actions be taken?

A few options and business ideas to consider and establish our own personal actions to support ‘Green’ can be the following ;

– Buy only from ‘Take-Back’ companies. Visit –> here to find a list of available companies.
– Upgrade your computer rather than buy a new one, Refurbish and Recycling Computers.
– Use refillable ink cartridges, provide a mobile pick-up and drop-off service.
– Ask yourself, ‘Do I really need this latest gadget?’
– Recycling or Disposal business such as ‘Creative Recycling Systems’ can be considered.

Every little action from people around their communities and our respective nations will add up, hopefully to the point, there is very little e-waste growing in our landfill. A few businesses have already started taking action to prevent waste. Can you imagine our future generations with clean water and land?

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Article(C)2010 Dame Scribe, all rights reserved. Dame Scribe creates articles and posts online. She creates articles on business skills & development, health, science, technology and society and has a strong passion for writing.