Did you get that sharp new mobile phone - the one that plays mp3s, shoots video has a projection capability and surfs the web? How about the ultra-slim laptop with customizable skins and a battery that never dies? Congratulations, you've got the latest electronics.
So, what did you do with the old phone and computer? If you threw them in the garbage or put them on the curbside with a FREE sign, you probably need to get current on or update yourself with the latest in electronics disposal.
Computers seem so efficient and environmentally-friendly, but there are hidden dangers associated with them once they become e-waste. The harmful materials contained in electronics, coupled with the fast rate at which we're replacing outdated units, poses a real danger to human health if electronics are not properly processed prior to disposal or recycled.
Electronics like computers and cell phones contain a lot of different toxins. For example, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in computers contain heavy metals, such as lead, barium and cadmium, which can be very harmful to health if they enter the water system. These materials can cause damage on the human nervous and respiratory systems. Flame retardant plastics, used in electronics casings, can release particles that damage human endocrine functions. These are the types of things that can happen when unprocessed e-waste is put directly in landfill.
The statistics on electronic waste (e-waste) are alarming. E-waste is now the fastest-growing part of the municipal waste stream, according to the EPA in India as per sources for authorized government bodies. Think of how many of those people are on their second and even third cell phones. When you also consider that 80% of the world's population lives in an area with cell phone reception, recycling old phones Just Makes Sense...
Each year, we dispose of roughly 250 million computers. The vast majority of electronics are simply thrown away.
e-Responsibility (Everyone's Responsibility)
Individual consumers are obviously not solely responsible for e-waste issues. Institutions also bear a significant ownership of these problems. Think of how many computers and mobile phones are in your workplace. Clearly, businesses make a substantial contribution to the consumption and disposal of electronics. Thus, supervisors in change of IT purchasing should ensure the responsible recycling and/or disposal of company computers and cell phones.
Manufacturers are also involved in the situation, as they determine what materials go into making the electronics. In many instances, hazardous materials are used in response to consumer demand for cheaper computers and phones. So, there's a cycle at work that implicates virtually everyone. It really boils down to this: parties who make, use, sell or purchase electronics have a responsibility to participate in some form of e-waste management program.
Recycling and the proper disposal of electronics is a major part of the solution to our growing e-waste problem. Responsible practices in the manufacture of hardware must also contribute to the solution. Regardless of whether these positive actions are mandated by industry or government, progress occurs when individuals and businesses change their thinking about e-waste.
www.attero.in ; www.atterobay.com
So, what did you do with the old phone and computer? If you threw them in the garbage or put them on the curbside with a FREE sign, you probably need to get current on or update yourself with the latest in electronics disposal.
Computers seem so efficient and environmentally-friendly, but there are hidden dangers associated with them once they become e-waste. The harmful materials contained in electronics, coupled with the fast rate at which we're replacing outdated units, poses a real danger to human health if electronics are not properly processed prior to disposal or recycled.
Electronics like computers and cell phones contain a lot of different toxins. For example, cathode ray tubes (CRTs) in computers contain heavy metals, such as lead, barium and cadmium, which can be very harmful to health if they enter the water system. These materials can cause damage on the human nervous and respiratory systems. Flame retardant plastics, used in electronics casings, can release particles that damage human endocrine functions. These are the types of things that can happen when unprocessed e-waste is put directly in landfill.
The statistics on electronic waste (e-waste) are alarming. E-waste is now the fastest-growing part of the municipal waste stream, according to the EPA in India as per sources for authorized government bodies. Think of how many of those people are on their second and even third cell phones. When you also consider that 80% of the world's population lives in an area with cell phone reception, recycling old phones Just Makes Sense...
Each year, we dispose of roughly 250 million computers. The vast majority of electronics are simply thrown away.
e-Responsibility (Everyone's Responsibility)
Individual consumers are obviously not solely responsible for e-waste issues. Institutions also bear a significant ownership of these problems. Think of how many computers and mobile phones are in your workplace. Clearly, businesses make a substantial contribution to the consumption and disposal of electronics. Thus, supervisors in change of IT purchasing should ensure the responsible recycling and/or disposal of company computers and cell phones.
Manufacturers are also involved in the situation, as they determine what materials go into making the electronics. In many instances, hazardous materials are used in response to consumer demand for cheaper computers and phones. So, there's a cycle at work that implicates virtually everyone. It really boils down to this: parties who make, use, sell or purchase electronics have a responsibility to participate in some form of e-waste management program.
Recycling and the proper disposal of electronics is a major part of the solution to our growing e-waste problem. Responsible practices in the manufacture of hardware must also contribute to the solution. Regardless of whether these positive actions are mandated by industry or government, progress occurs when individuals and businesses change their thinking about e-waste.
www.attero.in ; www.atterobay.com
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