First, I would like to point out that there is also a film called E-Wasteland that was released in 2012 which shows what the actual effects of dumping E-waste on developing nations does. Getting that out of the way, let's talk about 60 minutes.
First of all, this story starts with the general public not being educated about where their waste is going. Those with the best intentions still cause devastating damage to the underprivileged. IGNORANCE IS NO EXCUSE. Although ignorance of illegal behavior... is totally warranted for this particular situation. People probably don't even know that their computers and electronics contain so many hazardous materials. Lead, Cadmium, Mercury, Chromium, Polyvinyl Chlorides. I only know 2 of those are toxic off the top of my head, and I'm trying to be educated.
When you turn your laptop over to a recycling company, chances are that it's going to end up somewhere illegally and those harmful materials are going to hurt someone else. So what are we to do, if those who promise to dispose of things properly are lying? It isn't going to be a quick-fix, that's for sure. Designing things so by the time their lifespan is over, they will degrade quickly and with less harmful emissions seems to be the way to go, but that could take decades, or longer. What are we supposed to do now?
-Create products that truly recycle instead of downcycle.
-Buy refurbished computers and electronics instead of buying a new model every. single. time.
-Repair your electronics whenever possible as opposed to replacing them.
Here is a link to a helpful webpage with other GREAT electronic waste reduction ideas:
http://www.sustainelectronics.illinois.edu/
Enjoy. Or at the very least, educated yourself on this unenjoyable subject.
As always, thank you May for introducing our class to this issue.
-Randa
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